John Laramy

John Laramy is Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College, a position he has held since the beginning of April 2016. Prior to this John had been Vice Principal at the College since 2009; his background in quality improvement has supported the College’s drive for excellence which was recognized in 2014 by an Outstanding rating in a full Ofsted inspection. John has extensive experience of the full academic and vocational curriculum for 16 to 19-year-olds, including A-Levels, IB, BTEC qualifications, Apprenticeships, and Foundation Learning. Exeter College also offers a wide range of adult and community learning, Higher Education programs, and customized courses for businesses.

John started his career in the construction industry and after teaching Karate in his spare time decided on a change. After undertaking a full-time PGCE at the University of Greenwich in 1996, whilst teaching part-time at North West Kent College. He started as a Lecturer at North Devon College in 1997, progressing through various roles to join the Senior Management Team in 2005. John has spoken nationally on Vocational Education and Quality Improvement.

John is a Director of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and a non-executive Director of Pearson Education Limited. John is Chair of the Tertiary Colleges Group and a member of the Education Training Foundation Steering Group for Leadership Development at the Oxford Said Business School. John holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester and is a full corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Building. John lives locally, is married to Donna, has two children, and a fox red Labrador – Bailey!

John was awarded a CBE in 2020, in the New Year’s Honours for Services to Education.