Adult learners celebrate graduation at Exeter Cathedral

More than 200 adult learners from across Devon celebrated their graduation at a ceremony inside a historic cathedral last week.

The event, on Friday, October 16, brought together graduates from both Exeter College and North Devon College.

The graduating class of 2026 completed higher education courses and apprenticeships across subjects including sports therapy, business management, aircraft engineering, and education.

More than 130 learners from Exeter and nearly 70 from North Devon processed through Exeter city centre, dressed in their caps and gowns, before finishing at Exeter Cathedral.

This was the first combined ceremony held by the newly-formed Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group.

With sites in Exeter and Barnstaple, the group says it aims to “help people across the South West develop their skills, progress in their careers, or move into new areas of work” through partnerships with local universities.

Shelley Clark graduated at last week’s event following the completion of a project management apprenticeship at Exeter College.

“My time at Exeter College was a truly supportive and inclusive experience,” said Ms Clark.

“Balancing full-time work, a young family, and living with multiple sclerosis was an immense challenge, but the incredible support from both Great Western Rail and the College made it possible.

“The freedom to be myself, without worrying about not knowing something, was an absolute highlight. The lecturers were amazing, offering tailored individual support alongside regular classes. They also delivered feedback in a way that made me even more determined to succeed.

“The course completely transformed my self-belief. I have now stepped into a Project Management role, a position I previously never had the confidence to pursue.”

North Devon College student Grace Major completed a foundation degree in animal conservation and was also this year’s University of Plymouth Award Winner.

She has now started a top-up degree at the University of the West of England and plans to continue into postgraduate study.

Ms Major said: “Graduating from North Devon College feels amazing and so rewarding after all the hard work… One of my favourite memories was the trips we went on, as they gave me a real insight into what my future could look like.

“A particular highlight was visiting the National Trust in Somerset to see beavers being prepared for release and learn about the management and planning involved.

“The lecturers were really supportive throughout my time at NDC. I had the opportunity to build strong relationships with them and knew I could always talk to them about anything.

“I’d definitely recommend the course to anyone considering it, just be prepared to work hard - but the outcome is so worth it!”

Jade Otty, Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group deputy CEO, acted as Master of Ceremonies at the graduation.

Addressing the attendees, she said: “Graduation is always a highlight of our academic calendar, but this is a particularly special year for us because this is our inaugural Graduation Ceremony as a Group.

“We are so proud to bring together students and their families from across Devon from both of our colleges to honour what a milestone achieving university-level study is.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported our graduates, from their lecturers to their family and friends, for helping them on their higher education journey. I would also like to congratulate the Class of 2026; you are forever an ENDC graduate, and I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”

John Laramy CBE DL, group principal and CEO of the group, added: “As an alumnus of both Exeter College and North Devon College, I am particularly proud to see the two Colleges come together under one roof and celebrate this year’s graduating class.

“Since the two Colleges merged in January, we have united under the shared ambition of building an exceptional college group that serves people, communities and businesses across Devon, and adult education will play a considerable role in achieving that ambition.”