Familiar name returns as ‘powerhouse’ merger between Devon colleges confirmed

After almost 20 years Petroc will once again be known as North Devon College as the planned merger with Exeter College was officially confirmed today (Friday, December 12).

The two colleges will formally merge on January 5 to create the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, following approval by both boards of governors.

It was in August 2008 when the then North Devon College merged with East Devon College and was rebranded as Petroc.

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This move will create one of the largest place-based college groups in the country. The group will offer education opportunities to more than 16,000 learners, employ nearly 2,000 staff and generate an annual turnover of more than £100million.

A statement today said both colleges’ ‘unique identities and local presence’ would be preserved.

It said it was a ‘major milestone for education in North Devon’, strengthening local provision and securing long-term opportunities for young people, adults and employers across the area.

The colleges said a full public consultation had strong engagement and ‘overwhelmingly positive feedback’ from students, parents, staff, employers, schools and community partners.

There will be no immediate change for all current students at both colleges following the merger and they will continue their studies at their existing campuses as normal.

The group will also develop a dedicated Centre for Progression in Tiverton, building on the work already happening on site. This will support young people with additional needs and those who need a different experience to re-engage with education.

John Laramy CBE, principal and CEO of Exeter College, will become group principal and CEO of the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group.

Jade Otty, deputy CEO of Exeter College, will become group deputy CEO and also take on the role of senior leader at North Devon College.

Mr Laramy said: “We are delighted to confirm the merger has been approved and in January, Exeter College and Petroc College will combine and officially become one of the very best tertiary college groups in the country.

“This is an exciting moment for everyone at Exeter College, Petroc College and for the whole of Devon.

“By establishing Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, we can enhance opportunities for learners, offer more access to exceptional education and skills training and provide greater sustainability for staff, all while reflecting our shared commitment to excellence, inclusivity and community.

“I am absolutely thrilled by the combined opportunity we have to create a college group with the capacity, capability and ambition to deliver the very best for our region.”

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Pat Denham OBE, chair of the Petroc board of governors, who will join the board of the new group, added: “By becoming North Devon College and joining forces with Exeter College, we are securing greater opportunities, broader expertise and a stronger future for the region.

“Our focus has always been on doing what’s best for North Devon and this merger will enable us to deliver even more for the people we serve.”

Professor Adam Watt, chair of the joint board, said: “This merger will deliver positives for all aspects of the communities the Colleges serve, from offering greater choice and improved access to specialist facilities, to providing employers with a single, strong partner that responds to local skills needs.

“Most importantly, it keeps high-quality education in the community, with both Colleges combining to deliver the scale, capability and resilience that come from being part of a larger group. The merger is a hugely exciting prospect for the region.”