Weston College Group has officially opened The Horizon, a new specialist centre at Knightstone Campus designed to help young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adult life.

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, officially opened the centre on Friday, meeting learners, staff and partners, seeing the new facilities first-hand.

The Horizon marks the completion of a significant investment in the former Arosfa Hotel site, transforming it into a dedicated specialist centre for learners with SEND. Designed around the needs of learners, it will help young people develop independence, confidence and practical life skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging and community.

The new facility brings together specialist teaching spaces, independent living accommodation and employability training. It also doubles Weston College's residential capacity previously provided through its Weston Bay facility, giving more learners opportunities to practise everyday skills in an environment tailored to their individual needs.

Since opening in 2013, Weston Bay has supported hundreds of young people with autism to develop life, social and independence skills. As demand for specialist SEND provision has grown, Weston College invested in The Horizon to build on that success and support more learners closer to home.

The name The Horizon was chosen by learners themselves, reflecting the opportunities the new centre is designed to open up as they prepare for life beyond college.

Ben Knocks, Deputy Principal, Weston College Group, said:

"Opening The Horizon is a really important moment for the College and, most importantly, for our learners. We wanted to create somewhere that feels like a genuine step towards adult life, where young people can build confidence, develop practical skills and grow their independence."

"We have taken the best elements of Weston Bay and brought them into a purpose-designed environment built around the needs of learners. Seeing learners and staff experiencing the new facilities for the first time has been incredibly rewarding."

"The need for specialist SEND provision continues to grow, and facilities like The Horizon help ensure more young people can access the support, space and opportunities they need to thrive. We're delighted to welcome Dan Aldridge MP to officially open the centre and celebrate the partnership working that has helped make it possible. We'd also like to recognise the support of North Somerset Council and our wider partners, who continue to play a vital role in strengthening SEND provision and outcomes across the region."

Dan Aldridge MP said:

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, and the College has a such an important role to play in making that happen. We need Government and local providers like the College working together to make sure every young person has the right support, skills and opportunities to thrive. This is just the beginning of the work the college are doing for SEND young people, and I’ll continue to support and lobby for every young person in Weston, making sure their needs are heard and they have the opportunities they deserve.”

The Horizon includes specialist teaching spaces, training kitchens, social learning areas and residential accommodation, helping learners develop practical skills for everyday life while accessing the wider opportunities available across Knightstone Campus.

Among those returning to celebrate the opening was former learner Tilly Bean, whose journey highlights the life-changing impact specialist support can have.

Tilly joined Weston College in 2022 after spending five years out of education. Having left mainstream education without GCSE qualifications, she lacked confidence and was uncertain about returning to learning.

With specialist support from the College, Tilly rebuilt her confidence and independence while developing vital life and social skills. She went on to achieve GCSE Mathematics and Functional Skills English before progressing to the College's Access to Higher Education Diploma in Biomedical Science.

This year, she achieved the highest possible grades on the programme, securing 164 UCAS points and a place to study Paramedic Science at the University of Gloucestershire from January 2027. Alongside her studies, she now works within a SEND education setting.

Tilly Bean said:

"When I first came to the College, I had been out of education for five years and was terrified of returning. The support I received helped me rebuild my confidence and become more independent. Most importantly, it helped me believe in myself again."

"I'm now preparing to start university, and I've achieved things I never thought were possible. That's why places like The Horizon matter. Young people need time, support and people who understand what they're going through. My experience shows how much can change when you get that support, and I hope The Horizon gives many more learners the same chance."

Weston College Group is inviting parents, carers, education professionals and partner organisations with an interest in SEND provision to register their interest in visiting The Horizon. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the specialist support and facilities available to learners.

To register your interest, click here and a member of the team will be in touch.

This week, our Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level students welcomed employees from Alun Griffiths Ltd, a sustainable civil engineering contractor helping to connect communities across road, rail, water and utilities. The visit gave students the opportunity to explore careers in civil engineering while developing valuable industry skills through a series of engaging, hands-on activities.

The session began with a presentation and interactive task led by Kate Hamilton-Border, Regional Social Value Coordinator - England at Griffiths. Kate explored the importance of Health and Safety and Risk Assessments, encouraging students to consider how these principles can be applied to everyday tasks. Students also took part in team-building activities, developing their ability to communicate, collaborate and approach challenges effectively.

Students then put these skills into practice during a large-scale bridge-building activity. Working in two groups, they followed an instruction manual to independently construct two sections of a bridge, eventually joining them together in the middle. With responsibility for delegating roles, communicating tasks and overcoming challenges, students were encouraged to take ownership of the project and use their initiative to ensure their bridge was functional.

The activity provided a valuable insight into the practical nature of civil engineering while strengthening students’ communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. Following the challenge, students received feedback from Griffiths’ professionals, allowing them to reflect on their performance, celebrate what they had done well and identify areas for improvement.

The visit also highlighted the progression opportunities available through a T Level industry placement. One member of the Griffiths team who attended was a former Weston College T Level Construction student. Having completed his industry placement with Griffiths, he has gone on to work with the company while completing his Level 4 Civil Engineering BTEC Higher National Certificate (HTQ) with University Centre Weston (UCW).

Meeting former students who have successfully progressed into further study and employment provided a valuable source of inspiration for our current learners, demonstrating the range of opportunities that can follow a T Level and the importance of making the most of industry placements.

Daniel Comerford, Construction Professions Lecturer at Weston College, said: “Welcoming employers such as Griffiths to Weston College gives our students a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand what a career in civil engineering can look like and gain valuable insight into the range of roles and pathways available to them. These industry partnerships are invaluable in supporting students’ professional development, allowing them to ask questions, build meaningful connections with employers and develop the practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Hands-on activities, such as the bridge-building challenge, also give students a real insight into the collaborative and practical nature of the industry, helping them build confidence and prepare for their future careers.”

Kate Hamilton-Border, Regional Social Value Coordinator for Griffiths said: "We were delighted to bring our bridge building activity to Weston College, giving students the opportunity to practice those all-important skills and qualities which are so important to employers. Our team had a great morning with the students, sharing their expertise and encouraging individuals to step outside of their comfort zone and demonstrate what they can achieve. Being part of the Construction Professionals Careers Excellence Hub is so valuable to our business in being able to promote the wide range of opportunities in our sector and developing potential future talent for our business."

A huge thank you to Alun Griffiths Ltd for visiting our students and providing such a valuable opportunity to develop their skills, explore career pathways and gain first-hand experience of the civil engineering industry.

This workshop forms part of the Construction Professionals Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Progress to the next level in Construction! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Today Weston College welcomed Jim Davison, National Membership Director at Make UK, to its Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) on National Manufacturing Day, celebrating both the College's growing role in supporting the region's manufacturing sector and its recent membership of the UK's leading manufacturers' organisation.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase how Weston College is working closely with employers to develop the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent through industry-focused training, apprenticeships and technical education.

The day also marked Weston College officially becoming a member of Make UK, joining a national community of manufacturers, engineering businesses and industry partners committed to strengthening UK manufacturing.

As a member, Weston College will benefit from Make UK's extensive programme of networking events, industry briefings and conferences, while also gaining access to the Make UK Capability Platform, which enables members to connect, collaborate, share expertise and showcase their capabilities to the wider manufacturing community.

The partnership further strengthens Weston College's commitment to supporting manufacturers across the South West and ensuring learners develop the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of modern industry.

Make UK National Membership Director Jim Davison said:

“National Manufacturing Day is all about celebrating the people, skills and innovation that drive our sector, so AMTEC was the perfect place to visit. Weston College is doing outstanding work in training the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. As a former engineer it was a pleasure to meet so many young people who are passionate about careers in our industry.

“Manufacturers consistently tell us that access to the right skills is critical to their future, and AMTEC is a strong example of education and industry working together to meet that need. We are delighted to have Weston College as a member of Make UK and look forward to seeing our relationship go from strength to strength.”

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:

"Joining Make UK is an important milestone for Weston College and AMTEC and reflects our commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region. Through AMTEC, we are helping businesses develop the skilled workforce they need. Membership of Make UK will strengthen those relationships further and ensure we remain connected to national industry priorities."

During the National Manufacturing Day visit, colleagues from Weston College and Make UK discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including skills development, workforce growth, productivity and the future of advanced manufacturing in the UK.

National Manufacturing Day shines a spotlight on the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy and provides an opportunity to celebrate the innovation, technology and skilled workforce that underpin the sector.