Mrs Rachael Johnstone

Rachael is the Dean for Professional Education and Partnerships and Director of the Centre for Degree Partnerships at Exeter. Rachael is a leader in Degree Apprenticeship provision in Higher Education, and is a Board member of the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC). Rachael provides strategic direction and leadership to Exeter's Degree Apprenticeship portfolio and is accountable for the overall performance of the provision. She is regularly invited to speak at national conferences and events, and to the media.

Rachael's approach to professional education and Degree Apprenticeships is to work in close collaboration with industry employers to co-design and develop new programmes, supporting diversification of workforces, workforce planning, meeting skills deficits, and widening participation.

Rachael works with UK-based and global organisations, and has nurtured relationships with key Exeter partners including Amazon and JP Morgan.

Rachael is the University's Ofsted Nominee, and an External Examiner with experience providing Quality Assurance for professional and national bodies, and of leading projects for government bodies including the Department for Education.

Her prior experience includes founding the South Devon College School of Law.

She is committed to expanding Exeter's professional education and degree apprenticeship portfolio while upholding the highest standards of quality and ensuring an outstanding student experience. Her strategic initiatives are geared towards positioning Exeter's apprenticeship programs as catalysts for academic and professional advancement, widening participation, driving innovation, and fostering meaningful partnerships with industry stakeholders.