"I really enjoyed all aspects of college, the experience has helped me decide what career I want to follow"
Sam Passmore
West Exe Technology College
14-16 Practical Learning Student of the Year
Sam is a role model for the 14-16 programme with 100% attendance and a consistent flair for all aspects of his course. He is always polite, courteous and respectful to the teaching staff and his classmates – we are very proud of his achievements.
"I feel I'm providing a positive role model in terms of education and what can be achieved with determination and hard work to my three children"
Kelly Roberts
West Exe Technology College
Access to Higher Education Student of the Year
Kelly successfully completed level 1 and 2 Numeracy courses but was unsure if she would be able to cope with the Access course. She was determined to put in the maximum effort and, by the end of the course, she was academically one of the strongest students in the group.
"There is always a course for you to take at college, whatever your age or background and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to better myself."
Richard Hooper
Adult/Community Education/Employability Student of the Year
Richard was highly successful in the Door Supervisors qualification that he took through the Job CentrePlus training programme after being a lorry driver. His first job was with Marsh Barton Security and he has now joined the college’s security team. Richard is a genuine success story of training and determination to get a new job role.
"Everybody has different backgrounds and training and I enjoyed the diverse learning experience."
Lewis Rudge
Cullompton Community College
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Exeter City Council
Lewis started at The Merry Harriers and is now working at the Padbrook Park Hotel in Cullompton while doing his NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery. He is thoroughly liked by fellow students, employers and trainers alike and has become a good team player and leader, offering support to all his peers.
"I enjoyed the steep learning curve. I hope to get into a good university where I will study graphic design"
Tom Cross
St Luke's
Art and Design Student of the Year
Thomas was an exceptional student who always completed work above and beyond that needed to meet the course criteria. He was an inspiration to his peers, bringing a positive energy to the class. He always sought and responded maturely to critical guidance.
"I enjoyed the friendships I made and meeting my personal tutor. I was able to help other students with their career choices, interviewing skills and further progression in business."
Sharena Sivlal
Clyst Vale Community College
Business and IT Student of the Year
Sharena achieved three Distinctions at her level 3 National Diploma in Business and is an excellent role model for young women. She also took on the role of the college’s President of the Young Chamber of Commerce, attending Chamber of Commerce events across the city.
"I’ve had amazing support over the years at college from my tutor and other lecturers. It’s been fun on the Women in Construction days as it’s great to get the girls to enjoy what I enjoy."
Mellissa Sparkes
Isca College of Media and Arts
Construction Student of the Year
Sponsored by Mansells
Starting on the 14-16 programme, Mel then progressed to the National Diploma finishing as one of our highest ever placed learners with three distinctions. She is an ambassador promoting female entry into the industry and is working at our Technology Centre as trainee quantity surveyor with Mansells while she studies her HNC
"I hope to go on to study a body repair course and open my own garage. I enjoyed the support from the college tutors and the level of tuition"
Ryan Voaden
Okehampton College
Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive Student of the Year
Sponsored by Stagecoach
Ryan was determined to return to his previous occupation – motor vehicles - following a motorcycle accident and through hard work and diligence he completed all areas of his qualification ahead of schedule. He is an inspiration and is an example to other students.
* Award picked up by tutor on behalf of Ryan Voaden
"I most enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere at college and the encouragement to undertake further study in areas of my own interest."
Claudia Treacher
St Luke’s
English and Languages Student of the Year
Claudia is an insightful, imaginative and bubbly student with a zest for learning. She scored 100 out of 100 in her Extended Project, and her A* for A level Literature was only one mark off full marks. She is the best example of an independent learner who has used the skills learned at college to make the transition to university.
"I loved the enrichment programme – I got immense satisfaction from the physical and mental challenges involved in training for and completing the Ten Tors."
Elizabeth Ives
Enrichment Student of the Year - Ten Tors
Lizzie represented the college in the Ten Tors 45 mile team in 2010 and was captain of the 55 mile team in 2011. She was incredibly dedicated to the event and trained hard – she was the strongest walker the trainers had ever met and also completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
"For me, studying at Exeter College is not only the main way to improve my knowledge of the language and skills for life but it also gives me the feeling that somebody cares and is ready to help and support."
Albena Chivarova
ESOL Student of the Year
Albena started at entry level 1 in 2008 and has now progressed through all the levels. She is extremely hard working and positive about studying and has passed all of her ESOL level 2 courses whilst also working long hours as a care assistant.
"I enjoy the challenge of the courses and particularly the work experience in the hangar at the airport."
Joel Gardner
Lipson Community College, Plymouth
Flybe Student of the Year
Joel has a mature attitude to his studies and is never accepting second best of himself. He is now in his first year of the Foundation degree course in Aeronautical studies and is working in the Flybe workshop attempting new disciplines and hand skills.
"I’m now studying A levels and really like the teachers who are kind and friendly which creates a relaxing atmosphere to work in."
Sebastian Cullen
St Peter’s School
Foundation Studies Student of the Year
Sponsored by Devon County Council
Seb had 100% attendance for the entire year of his Fast Track GCSE course. He is ambitious and determined and his attitude has helped him grow and progress onto an AS level programme. He worked very hard in every lesson and never missed a deadline.
"I’m hoping to go to university to study to be a physiotherapist or own my own salon incorporating beauty with aesthetic medical treatments. Working with the general public gave me a real insight into real live clientele."
Charlotte Yabsley
Exeter College
Hair and Beauty Student of the Year
Charlotte has achieved all distinctions on the BTEC National Diploma Beauty Therapy course whilst also being a carer at home. Her sheer commitment and dedication is exemplary as is her desire to make her family proud of her.
"The grades I achieved at college have really made me believe in myself and believe that I can achieve in my life."
Ellie McEvoy
Uffculme
Health, Care and Public Services Student of the Year
Sponsored by Devon County Council
Ellie is a shining example of a highly motivated student who worked hard across all aspects of the course. She has a natural talent working with children and her kind heart, happy disposition and willingness to help made her a valued member of the tutor group.
"I enjoyed the massive support you receive from the programme managers, teachers and tutors and I love the fact I can work alongside my course."
Michelle Liney
Higher Education Student of the Year
Sponsored by Jones Lang La Salle
Michelle has achieved Distinction grades in all 16 modules of her HNC in Business and Management course – a record for the college. She is a committed and dedicated student balancing the demands of the course whilst holding down a managerial position in a North Devon hotel.
"I was always pushed to do the best I can by two awesome tutors who helped me gain a lot of confidence in myself."
Alice Soanes
King’s School, Ottery St Mary
Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year
Sponsored by Abode Hotels
Alice is an exceptional student, the strongest in her year group. She has impressed her tutors with her work ethic, producing stunning food in her NVQ3 Diploma in Professional Cookery, often guiding her peers, providing support and acting as an inspiration to the year group.
"I was able to meet like-minded individuals, partake in exciting work experience and learn to push myself to achieve the very best."
Gabriella Dyson
King’s School, Ottery St Mary
Humanities Student of the Year
Sponsored by Foot Anstey
Gabriella was a first rate student of Early Modern History. She was always fully engaged with the work and her course work demonstrated her ability for independent learning. She completed her A level studies with two A* and A and a A at AS level.
"The IB provided me with a great education which I will cherish for years to come – the teaching was inspiring."
Ariadne Lyroudia
Clyst Vale Community College
International Baccalaureate Student of the Year
Ariadne is a dedicated, organized and friendly student who achieved real academic excellence. She was modest about her achievements, well liked by her peers and never hesitated to offer help to students or staff.
"On my first day at college it was hard not to notice the very warm welcome for me by the staff and I am proud to be a student at this well organized, highly resourceful and friendly college."
Dhanya Sebastian
Mathematics and Science Student of the Year
Dhanya is a mature and socially skilled student with a sunny disposition. She always made a positive contribution often volunteering to meet her peers in the learning centre to discuss topics they were finding challenging.
"I enjoyed how free you were when it came to making your own projects."
Arnold Peters
Kings School, Ottery St Mary
Media and Performing Arts Student of the Year
Sponsored by the Express and Echo
Arnold found his feet when starting the Music Video Unit and completed it with one of the best final music performance music videos the tutors have seen. Finding a client in New York, he started producing videos for him as he finished his studies and hopes to own his own production company.
"I really enjoyed the extra-curricular music activities and the great music staff."
Ben Lee
St Peter’s School, Exeter
Music Student of the Year
Ben was an accomplished guitarist but further expanded his instrumental repertoire to include trombone, bass guitar, voice and piano. He gained three Distinction grades on the Extended Diploma in Music Performance and was a key performer of the Music Academy enrichment ensembles whilst also being a Jazz Ambassador.
"What I liked most about Exeter College was its size. I came from a small secondary school so I wanted to go somewhere with a bigger mix of people."
Paul Brookes
Holsworthy
Reach Academy Student of the Year
Sponsored by the Met Office
Paul combined his academic excellence with a long commute to college. He was a very active member of the Reach Academy being part of the Modern Languages group, playing an impressive solo piano performance at the Reach Celebration event. He impressed the Met office with his work on the weather observation research project.
* Award picked up by tutor on behalf of Paul Brookes
"I loved the classes and getting my certificate in the post. I feel happier since I used to feel I had let myself down."
Gina Perry
Skills for Life Student of the Year
Sponsored by Devon County Council
Gina enrolled for Move on Literacy and was a very enthusiastic student gaining her entry qualification. Her life has been transformed and she feels good about herself since she can now read and write for herself. Her tutors are immensely proud of how she has summoned up her courage as an adult to come back into learning.
"I enjoyed playing drums in the big band."
Sam de Wolf
St Luke’s
Spencer Dale Economics Student of the Year
Sponsored by Exeter Chamber of Commerce
Sam was a thoughtful and methodical student who gained A grades for every unit in Economics. He greatly impressed his tutors with his work ethic and desire to attain the best grades possible before going onto Sheffield University to study Economics.
"I really enjoyed the people at college and my A levels and the Sports Academy went well together."
John Bargent
St James School
Sports Academy Student of the Year
John is a complete role model for the whole academy. He led by example with phenomenal leadership skills helping coach the Academy side and Exeter Chiefs Colts despite his own rugby training being hampered by a series of seizures.
"The course fuelled my burning ambition to want to work within a teaching environment and helped guide me onto choosing which path I was to take at university"
Emily Horn
Holsworthy
Sport, Leisure and Tourism Student of the Year
Sponsored by Exeter City Football Club
Emily gained straight distinction grades in all the National Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence) units whilst also travelling over 100 miles a day. She maintained an outstanding attendance and dedication to succeeding in her academic work despite pressures and became BTEC Sports Student of the Year in June.