Adult learners celebrate momentous Graduation at Exeter Cathedral

Over 60 North Devon College learners celebrated the completion of their higher education studies at Exeter Cathedral on Friday 16 October as they graduated in front of family, friends and lecturers.  

For the first time in North Devon College history, learners gathered in Exeter city centre, dressed in their caps and gowns, before completing a ceremonial procession from the Rougemont Hotel to the iconic Cathedral, supported by family, friends and members of the public.  

This year was a special occasion for North Devon College’s adult learners, as they joined Exeter College adult learners for a joint graduation ceremony, the first since the two further education Colleges merged in January and formed the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC).

The graduating class of 2026 completed higher education courses and apprenticeships across a broad range of subjects. These included Foundation Degrees in Healthcare Assistant Practitioner, Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care, Psychological Studies, Animal Conservation, Early Childhood Studies, Human Bioscience, Creative Media, Illustration and Software Engineering, alongside BA (Hons) degrees in Professional Development (Childhood Studies) and Human Behavioural Studies, an HNC in Construction and the Certificate in Education. 

The ceremony marked an important milestone for ENDC, which formed when Petroc College merged with Exeter College and returned to its former North Devon College name. Through the two Colleges in Exeter and Barnstaple, the Group provides higher education courses and apprenticeships designed to help people across the South West develop their skills, progress in their careers or move into new areas of work.  

ENDC delivers adult and higher education qualifications in partnership with the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Kingston University and Plymouth Marjon University, as well as Pearson and the Chartered Management Institute. 

John Laramy CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, recognised the graduates’ achievements when he addressed the Class of 2026 at the Cathedral. John said:  

“I would like to congratulate every graduate and thank them for their contributions to the higher education and apprenticeship communities. This day is an opportunity to recognise their success and dedication, and it is a privilege to share this important moment with them.  

“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 in front of their teachers and so many family and friends.    

“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.”    

Jade Otty, Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group Deputy CEO, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the first ENDC Graduation. Addressing the attendees, Jade 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 graduands, 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.”    

Many North Devon College adult learners balance their studies with work, family and other life commitments, demonstrating their dedication to achieving their qualifications and pursuing their ambitions.   

Grace Major completed a Foundation Degree in Animal Conservation at North Devon College and was this year’s University of Plymouth Award winner. Since completing her course, Grace has started a top-up degree at the University of the West of England and hopes to become an ecologist. Grace said:  

“Graduating from North Devon College feels amazing and so rewarding after all the hard work. I chose the course because when I read about it online, I loved the mixture of academic and practical learning, and as I had already studied at the College, I wanted to continue my studies there.  

“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, learning about the management and planning involved.  

“The lecturers were really supportive throughout my time at College. 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!”  

Cameron Randen, a BA (Hons) Professional Development (Childhood Studies) graduate from North Devon College, enjoyed being able to study close to his family and friends. After balancing his studies alongside a part-time bartending job, Cameron is now continuing his training and hopes to become a PE teacher in the future. Cameron said: 

“It feels amazing to be graduating and to know that all the hard work I have put in over the last three years has paid off. Being able to complete a degree while staying close to my family and friends was a major factor in choosing the course, and knowing that support would be easily accessible made me feel comfortable applying. 

“Some of my favourite memories are of meeting my peers and lecturers. I have made friends for life, and the lecturers had such a positive impact on me. They always made time to answer questions and supported us with everything from critical thinking and academic writing to finding the right research resources. 

“I balanced my studies with a part-time bartending job, which could sometimes be challenging, but planning ahead helped me manage my workload.” 

Kimberley Hurrell completed a Foundation Degree in Human Bioscience at North Devon College and was this year’s North Devon College Award winner. Having first studied GCSE Science at the College, Kimberley progressed through an Access to Higher Education course to her degree and has now secured a place at the University of Plymouth to complete a Medical Science degree. Kimberley said: 

“I first discovered my love of science while studying my GCSEs here, and that passion has just kept growing. Winning the North Devon College Award was such a surprise. I saw how hard everyone on my course worked, so being recognised in this way means so much to me. 

“Balancing my studies with family life hasn’t always been easy. My daughter has a rare medical condition, and I’ve also had major surgery myself. My lecturers were so understanding, and having people who believe in you really helped me build my confidence. My daughter’s condition has inspired me to become a clinical scientist, so I can help improve the lives of people living with similar conditions. 

“To anyone considering an adult course, I’d say go for it. It doesn’t matter where you’re starting from or what challenges you might face. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve!” 

Discover adult learning at North Devon College: https://www.ndc.ac.uk/ucnd/