Exeter College

"Exeter College is a publicly funded further education institution located in the city of Exeter, in the heart of Devon, southwest England."

Serving students from the local community and beyond, the college has established itself as a respected centre of learning that combines academic rigour with a welcoming, inclusive environment. For families relocating to the Exeter area, the college represents a compelling option for older secondary-age students seeking a high-quality educational pathway in a vibrant British city. Founded in 1992, Exeter College has built more than three decades of experience in post-secondary and sixth-form education. Over that time, it has grown into one of the region's leading colleges, attracting students from Exeter itself as well as from the surrounding towns and villages of Devon. The college's development reflects a broader commitment to expanding access to excellent education within the public sector, ensuring that ambitious young people have the opportunity to pursue challenging academic programmes regardless of their background. One of the most distinctive features of Exeter College is its offering of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, commonly known as the IB DP. This globally recognised qualification is particularly relevant for international families and expat communities, as it is accepted by universities across the world and provides a genuinely international academic framework. The IB Diploma is designed for students typically aged 16 to 19 and is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and rewarding pre-university programmes available. Students pursuing the diploma engage with six subject groups alongside the programme's core components — Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service — developing not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking, research skills, and a sense of global citizenship. Instruction at Exeter College is delivered in English, making it accessible to students with a strong command of the language and well-suited to families arriving from international contexts where English-medium education is the norm. The college is situated in Exeter, a historic cathedral city that offers an exceptionally high quality of life. Known for its Roman heritage, thriving cultural scene, and excellent transport links — including direct rail connections to London — Exeter is an increasingly popular destination for professionals relocating within the United Kingdom and from abroad. The city's size strikes a balance between urban convenience and a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere, and the presence of the University of Exeter adds a strong academic dimension to the local environment. What sets Exeter College apart for relocating families is the combination of a rigorous, internationally recognised curriculum within a publicly funded institution. The IB Diploma Programme at a state college is relatively uncommon in England, making Exeter College a genuinely distinctive choice for families who want the academic credibility of the IB without the fees typically associated with independent or private IB schools. Parents evaluating options for their teenage children will find in Exeter College a well-established institution with a clear academic mission and a programme designed to open doors to universities around the world.