A presentation will be made on the future plans of Exeter College by Mr Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College. He will be accompanied by Rebecca King, Deputy Principal.
Minutes:
Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College and Rebecca King, Deputy Principal of Exeter College attended the meeting and presented details of the latest developments at Exeter College. It was the UK’s first tertiary College providing all post -16 education and training for the city of Exeter. It provides education and training for local students enabling them to acquire the skills and qualifications to be able to contribute to and benefit from the growing Exeter economy, as well as supporting local businesses to develop the skills of their employees. The two main sites on Hele Road and Queen Street, offer both vocational and non vocational courses, as well as adult learning and community education. There are also two specialist centres - the Construction Centre on Sowton and the new technology centre at Monkerton which is due to open in September and will be the base for engineering, aerospace and automotive courses. Richard Atkins responded to a comment on the challenges now faced by students following the end of the Education Maintenance Award. He also paid tribute to the dedicated staff who offer both tuition, as well as guidance and pastoral support through a range of student support services.
Exeter College is currently rated as outstanding in terms of quality, student success rates and the financial health of the institution. They work with approximately 12,000 students a year who come from the Exeter travel to work area, and are made up of a variety of students including the 16 – 19 age group, adult learners, over 700 apprentices as well as being involved with many local employers. The College has a particular role for apprentices, with many students on an apprenticeship scheme typically lasting between one and three years. The College takes a keen interest as to where students go after their course, in terms of attending Higher Education or gaining employment. The College has a strong link with the Job Centre and, despite the challenging job market, the employment rate of former students remains high.
The College has an ongoing programme of investment in new facilities and over £40 million has been invested in the last seven years, including the engineering facilities at Monkerton. Further investment is needed for the refurbishment of the Science and Mathematics facilities, Art and Design and Sports facilities. Members commented on the College’s current sports facilities. Richard Atkins confirmed there were no immediate plans to make any changes to the sports facilities and particularly the location of the playing fields, but they wanted to update their facilities to match the regional facilities available at other colleges. Rebecca King added that their ambition was to develop a new gym and fitness centre at Victoria Yard. She responded to a comment on the future of the Automotive Training Centre at Marsh Barton, which will close following the opening of Monkerton, and the leasehold site will be vacated. Richard Atkins also responded to Member comments on the Exeter Business School, which has developed their links with employers to offer an integrated business and employer facing team, called Business Solutions, based in the centre of Exeter.
Members thanked Richard Atkins and Rebecca King for their informative presentation.