Academies

Creativity is central to all things. No matter where you are working or what you are doing, creativity leads to innovation - and innovation leads to a better tomorrow!

Through our Creative Academies, you can continue to develop your creativity alongside your main course.

You can choose from art, acting, contemporary choir, media or film, and whether you are an expert or a novice, we'll provide the space, equipment and support to help you add creative flavour to your time at college.

If you love a challenge and want to enhance your skills, build your confidence and support your community, then the Duke of Edinburgh Silver or Gold Award promises to take you on an amazing adventure.

Whether you are new to DofE or already have an award under your belt, push yourself further and discover all that you are capable of!

Being part of the Law Academy will offer you an exciting opportunity to participate in the ‘Bar Mock Trial’ - a competition involving other schools and colleges where students work together as a team to prosecute and defend cases.

You will also have the opportunity to interact with legal professionals and improve your employability skills, as well as develop your critical thinking, creativity and confidence. It’s a great option for anyone considering a career in the legal profession.

The Russell Group & Oxbridge Academy is aimed at students who have applied, or may apply, for either the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge or Russell Group universities.

It delivers super-curricular activities like writing competitions, discussions and debates. In addition, it offers expert practical advice to enhance your application and practical experience of interviews in preparation for your next steps.

This high-achieving academy would particularly suit students with a profile of grades 7-9 at GCSE and A/A* in year one of A Levels.

Find out more about the range of sports academies we offer which include football, rugby, climbing, netball and volleyball!

The North Devon College STEM Academy is designed for students with a passion for science, technology, engineering or maths and who want to enhance their understanding of the scientific world.

Providing the chance to add valuable experience and skills to your CV, you’ll also get to hear from guest speakers offering engaging insights into their work in the STEM sector. Recently we have invited professionals to discuss topics ranging from the quest for life beyond our planet to engineering at McLaren Racing.

You will be able to participate in events run by The Royal Institution and The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP), as well as attend an Introduction Data Science course run by the MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry).

The Surf Life Saving Academy at North Devon College offers an exceptional opportunity for students to develop essential lifesaving skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of surf safety, led by Nick Thorn, one of the UK’s most decorated watermen. Through a combination of practical training, theory-based learning, and real-world experience, students are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to excel in both lifesaving and rescue operations. 

This exciting programme focuses on the work of the blue light services and is ideal for anyone considering a career in the emergency services or armed forces.

Open to all students, the Uniformed Services Academy invites you to engage in social action projects, understand the work of the emergency services and learn essential life skills as well as life-saving techniques.

You will take part in physical and practical sessions and regularly engage with serving personnel where you will learn about emergency first aid, conflict resolution, diversity, CV building, cooking, fire extinguisher training, personal banking, and much more.

The VETMED Academy is designed for students looking towards a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and nursing.

You will have the opportunity to experience real ‘as it happens’ work placement opportunities through our prestigious partnerships with Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and Health Education South West.

You’ll hear from exceptional guest speakers who work in a variety of medical roles who will share their work and career pathways with you, answer your questions and discuss relevant social and current affairs topics.

There will be opportunities to take part in engaging practical sessions that go far beyond the normal A Level syllabus and you will take part in workshops covering everything from dissection to optometry.