We always welcome your support while your son or daughter is with us. Through formal meetings, telephone calls or email contact, we value your input and feedback.

As one of the top Further Education colleges in the South West, we have a wide range of excellent courses to suit everyone. And our students aren’t left to fend for themselves. Our Student Services team makes sure they get all the help and guidance they need, and our experienced tutors are dedicated to giving our students the brightest futures possible.

But Weston College is about more than education. We develop the whole person. Our students have the chance to experience an exciting new atmosphere, meet new people and gain more independence.

Information before applying

We’ll give your son or daughter plenty of opportunities to find out about Weston College and the courses on offer. Our specialist Career Advisors will also be able to advise and guide them if they want it.

Your questions

Is it better for my child to stay at their school?

That depends on your child – we believe in giving guidance based on the individual student. Many young people feel they have outgrown school and there can be many advantages to college life. We have a wider selection of courses than school. We usually have a broader range of facilities and resources and encourage young people to begin thinking, working and studying more independently, while still enjoying the benefits of close tutor support. That means our students are better prepared to start their career and for university life.

Will I have to pay for the course?

There are no tuition fees for students aged 16-18, though they may need to buy specialist equipment for their course. Many courses offer residential trips and visits and some financial support may be available to help meet some of these costs. Many courses also require students to carry out fundraising to help meet the cost of such trips.

Can I continue to get child benefit?

The parent or carer of any student under 18 can continue to receive child benefit while they remain in full-time education.

Will there be any financial support available?

For more information on financial support please call Student Services on 01934 411 411.

How will my son/daughter get to college?

All full-time students can get a subsidised bus pass to travel to college from across the area. Currently the cost per term is only £55.

Can I visit the College?

We’ll contact all potential students and ask them to come to an interview with their course tutor. Family members are actively encouraged to attend the interview too and ask questions about the course and other aspects of being at college.
You are also welcome to visit Weston College and view our facilities. Call us on 01934 411 411 to arrange a visit.

Will I get feedback on my son's or daughter’s progress?

Students have to attend college regularly and act with responsibility while they’re here. We will monitor your son's or daughter’s attendance and keep you informed. You will also be invited to parents’ evenings to discuss your son's or daughter’s progress and you will get end of year reports. Parents are always welcome to discuss their son's or daughter’s progress with their Personal Tutor until the end of the academic year or their 18th birthday.

Will my son/daughter have a timetable?

We’ll give them an individual timetable when they start at college. College hours are very different from school hours in terms of start and finish times. Private study periods are essential and students are expected to use them for study and to make use of the library. The majority of students have no timetabled lessons on Wednesday afternoons to give them time to take part in the many sports and activities we offer.

Is careers advice available?

If your son or daughter isn’t sure about which course is suitable for them, then we can offer careers advice.
Arrange a session by contacting reception on 01934 411 411.

What if my son or daughter would like to go on to a degree course?

In 2011 hundreds of students from Weston College went on to Higher Education – on some courses it was more than 90% of the students.

With the University of Bath, Bath Spa University and the University of the West of England, we offer a range of degree level qualifications so that students can study without leaving the area. We support all students with their UCAS applications and personal statements including those who want to study further afield.

What happens if problems arise?

Studying at college can be very different for students. They will be given all the support and encouragement they need to successfully complete their course, but they will also be given more responsibility and have greater expectations placed on them.

If problems arise over unexplained absences from college, failure to complete coursework or bad behaviour, then we will contact you. We hope you will help us overcome any problems so your son or daughter can continue to study well at college.

Further questions or comments?

This is an important time for both you and your son or daughter – decisions made now could have a big impact on their future. If you have any questions or comments, please give us a ring on 01934 411 411 or email enquiries@weston.ac.uk