University of Exeter double success as degree apprenticeships continue to thrive
The University of Exeter's Degree Apprenticeships team celebrate a decade of apprenticeships at Exeter earlier this year
New DfE figures show the University of Exeter continuing to lead the way in degree apprenticeships with both its graduate numbers and ‘achievement rates’ increasing year on year.
A total of 1,050 apprentices graduated from the University of Exeter in 2025 – almost three times as many leavers as the nearest Russell Group competitor, and an increase of 22% on the previous year.
Of that total, 83.8% taking Higher Level apprenticeships (at levels 4-7) completed their training and assessment on time, the highest achievement rate for any provider with more than 1,000 graduates and comfortably above the 67 per cent government target.
The average achievement rate for universities that deliver degree apprenticeships was 73 per cent.
Rachael Johnstone, Director of the Centre for Degree Partnerships at the University of Exeter, said: “We are incredibly proud of the strong achievement rates across our degree apprenticeship programmes. These outcomes demonstrate the dedication of our apprentices, the quality of support provided by our academic teams and the close partnerships we have built with employers to help learners thrive throughout their studies and progress in their careers.”
Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden praised the improved picture for UK apprenticeship providers as “another good result which speaks to the hard work of providers and employers alike.”
He added: “It is our collective focus on excellence that has brought us success, but we understand that quality is wider than achievements – it is also about learner experience, good delivery, and long-term value to the country. While many apprentices move on for positive reasons, the greatest value for the individual, the employer and the economy comes from full completion.”
Find out more about degree apprenticeships at the University of Exeter here.
