Petroc & Exeter College Merger Consultation Information
Exeter College and Petroc remain fully committed to doing the right thing for young people, apprentices, adult learners, and local businesses. Following an overwhelmingly positive response to the recent public consultation, we are delighted to confirm strong support for forming the new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group - a partnership built on shared values, ambition, and a deep commitment to our communities.
This proposed merger strengthens our collective ability to meet the region’s skills needs and reflects a national shift towards fewer, larger, place-based college groups with the capacity to deliver outstanding education and training. Together, we will create a regional powerhouse for education and skills - the largest college group in the South West and among the largest in the UK - with a combined annual turnover of £100 million.
Our shared vision is to invest, innovate, and deliver exceptional outcomes for learners, employers, and communities across Devon. We are committed to maintaining Outstanding sixth form provision in Exeter and developing the same level of excellence in North Devon. The merger will also enable Devon-wide solutions for High Needs Education, Apprenticeships, Adult Learning, and Higher Technical Education, all aligned with local economic priorities.
A key part of our vision includes developing Petroc’s Tiverton campus into a specialist centre for young people with additional needs, supporting progression into independent living, supported employment, and further study. This reflects our ongoing dedication to inclusion, opportunity, and excellence for every learner.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation and helped shape this exciting next chapter for education across Devon.
Read our Joint Press Release, Public Consultation Document, and Full Consultation Outcome Document to learn more about our shared future as the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group.
