With so many courses to choose from at Weston College, you'll come across a spectrum of qualifications ready to get you where you want to be.

Our courses are designed to be studied at different levels, and depending on how much you already know and can do, what qualifications you have and what your long-term ambitions are, we can help you to choose a course to suit the way you study. Use the  guide below to help choose the right qualification and course for you.

For further details about qualifications, courses and entry requirements, please contact Student Services on 01934 411 481.

AS/A2 (A Levels)

These are Level 3 courses and are normally taken as an academic route into higher education. After the first year of study you will sit exams for your AS Levels. You may then progress to A2 Level (the equivalent of the former A Level) after another year of study. At Weston College students normally choose up to five subjects in their first year, narrowing down to three or four subjects at A2 in their second year.

BTEC: Introductory, First and National Certificates or Diplomas

These qualifications allow you to specialise in a particular vocational area, such as Computing, Professional Cookery or Sport.

Introductory Diplomas
These are Level 1 courses and equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade C-E.

First Diplomas
These are Level 2 courses and equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C, if you achieve a Merit or Distinction. They are one year full-time career-related courses, which allow you to choose a subject which you are really interested in. On completion, you may have the opportunity to progress to an advanced level course or enter employment.

National Certificates/Diplomas
These are Level 3 courses. They are an alternative to A Levels and have been designed to develop the skills you need for higher education or employment. A National Diploma is a two-year, full-time career-related course with a specific vocational context that also provides entry into higher education.

Apprenticeships

These courses allow you the opportunity to have a job and study for NVQ Level 2 or 3 whilst you are earning a salary.

NVQs: National Vocational Qualifications

NVQs are based on skills which you actually use in a job. Assessment takes place in the work environment. NVQs are divided into levels, which reflect the level of skills required. Level 1 is a Foundation course and a Level 3 is equivalent to an advanced qualification.

New Diplomas

Weston College, in partnership with North Somerset Schools, offers the new 14-19 Specialist Diploma in a range of subjects including:

• Creative and media
• Business and finance
• IT
• Engineering
• Construction and the built environment
• Society, health and development
• Hospitality studies
• Hair and beauty
• Land and environment

These Diplomas are offered at a range of levels (Levels 1, 2 and 3) and are delivered jointly by your school and Weston College. As part of the Diplomas you will have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications in English and Maths as well as specialist qualifications linked to specific areas of the subject you are studying.

The aim of these new and exciting courses, which have been developed in conjunction with major employers, is to offer a blend of the vocational subject, GCSE core curriculum and industrial experience. This will enable you to get a specialist education and gain the experience and skills you will need in the workplace. These qualifications will also provide you with the skills you need for further study or at least provide you with a good introduction to the subject area industry.

Foundation Learning

The aim of Foundation Learning courses is to allow students the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects at a level which matches their ability. This includes basic and independent living skills, as well as looking at skills suited to vocational areas and employment. Foundation Learning courses are for students who may not be vocationally focused and may need additional levels of support or guidance to enable them to progress to higher level courses, work-based training or employment.