Exeter College students honoured at city-wide awards ceremony celebrating standout achievements

Students from across Exeter were recognised for academic achievement, apprenticeships and personal progress at Exeter College’s annual Student Awards, held at Sandy Park on Friday 16 January.

The event brought together students, families, college staff and local partners to mark the achievements of learners from the 2024/25 academic year, with 17 awards presented across subjects including academic study, vocational courses, sport, adult learning and apprenticeships.

Among those recognised was Ved Kumar, who was named Reach Academy Student of the Year after studying Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths and AS Physics at Exeter College. Ved has since progressed to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge.

Receiving his award, Ved said his time in Exeter played a key role in preparing him for university life.

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“I really enjoyed my two years here, which prepared me well for the different aspects of uni life, both socially and academically,” he said.

“Now, I’m loving studying and living in Cambridge, and hoping to go down the path of scientific research, inspired by many of my teachers back home.”

Another award recipient, Darren Westlake, was named Higher Apprentice of the Year. 

Darren, who is registered blind, returned to education after a 30-year break and completed a Level 4 Data Analysis Apprenticeship.

Reflecting on his experience, Darren said returning to formal learning had been challenging but rewarding. 

“Embarking on a qualification to enhance my data analysis skills brought about some apprehension, especially as a blind student returning to formal education after three decades,” he said.

“Being presented with this award is a tremendous privilege, acknowledging the dedication and obstacles I have overcome in the last two years.”

He also highlighted the role of staff support at the college, adding: “I would like to officially take this opportunity to thank my tutors” and that they “ensured course materials were adapted to accommodate my visual impairment.”

“None of this would have been possible without their support,” he said.

Other award winners included students recognised for academic excellence, vocational and technical achievement, sport, performing arts, digital media and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), reflecting the breadth of courses and learning pathways available at the Exeter campus.

Speaking at the ceremony, Exeter College principal and CEO at Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, John Laramy, said the awards reflected a strong year for learners across the college. 

He said: “Exeter College had another outstanding year. In my 17 years at the college, I can’t remember a year when our students and apprentices achieved such consistently outstanding results and success right across the college. 

“None of this is luck. Our ongoing success is because we have amazing students, great employers, world-class partners, fantastic staff and, in Exeter, the schools, college and university all working together in a cohesive and effective education ecosystem. 

“I also want to say a huge thank you to our award sponsors, many of whom support us every year. Without their support, these awards would not happen.”

 Meanwhile, Exeter City Council chief executive Bindu Arjoon told students their resilience and determination would be as important as their qualifications as they move into work, further study or higher education.

Bindu continued to say that it was a “privilege” to attend and an “honour to celebrate the students”. 

 The qualifications they’ve achieved of course matter. But equally importantly, so does the resilience, determination and thoughtfulness they’ve shown along the way.

“The world they’re stepping into is fast-moving, at times unpredictable, and sometimes it may appear overwhelming. But how they feel tonight – the belief of others, the support around them, the confidence they’re building – that will help them navigate all of it.” 

The Exeter College Student Awards are held annually and form part of the college’s wider programme recognising student achievement across the city and region.