Merger Confirmed
Exeter College and North Devon College to merge in January, creating a regional powerhouse for young people and skills
Exeter College and North Devon College have confirmed they will formally merge on Monday, 5 January 2026, creating the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, following approval by both Colleges鈥� Boards of Governors. This marks a major milestone for education in North Devon, strengthening local provision and securing long-term opportunities for young people,听adults听and employers across the area.听
As part of the merger, North Devon College will become North Devon College, celebrating its place in the community, while Exeter College will continue under its existing name. The new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group will continue delivering sixth form provision in both Exeter and North Devon, while expanding opportunities for the region to upskill and supporting employers to develop the talent they need to thrive now and in the future.听
The Group will also develop a dedicated Centre for Progression in Tiverton, building on the听great work听already happening on that site. This will support young people with听additional听needs and those who need听a different experience听to re-engage with education.听
The confirmation of the merger follows a full public consultation, which attracted strong engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, parents, staff, employers,听schools听and community partners.听
This move will create one of the largest place-based college groups in the country. The group will offer education opportunities to over 16,000 learners, employ听nearly 2,000听staff, and generate an annual turnover exceeding 拢100 million, while preserving both colleges鈥� unique identities and local presence.听
John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Principal and CEO of the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group. Jade听Otty, Deputy CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Deputy CEO听and also听take on the role of Senior Leader at North Devon College.听
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 current Interim Principal and CEO at North Devon College, Kurt Hintz, is leaving to become the Interim Principal and CEO at Havant and South Downs College on 5 January.听
Pat Denham OBE, Chair of the North Devon College Board of Governors, who will join the Board of the new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:听
鈥淏y becoming North Devon College and joining forces with Exeter College, we are securing greater opportunities, broader听expertise听and a stronger future for the region. Our focus has always been on doing听what鈥檚听best for North Devon, and this merger will enable us to deliver even more for the people we serve.鈥�听
John Laramy CBE, Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:听
鈥淲e are delighted to confirm the merger has been approved, and in January, Exeter College and North Devon College will combine and officially become one of the听very best听tertiary college groups in the country. This is an exciting moment for everyone at Exeter College, North Devon College, and for the whole of Devon.听
鈥淏y听establishing听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,听inclusivity听and community.听
鈥淚 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.鈥�听
Professor Adam Watt, Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:听
鈥淚鈥檓听delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon College Group. Together, we will help听establish听one of the UK鈥檚 leading college groups, right here in Devon.听
鈥淭his 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.鈥�听
