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.

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.

Four of England's Technical Excellence Colleges have joined forces on National Manufacturing Day to highlight the contribution manufacturing makes to the UK economy and the importance of developing the skilled workforce the sector needs.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) partnership brings together City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, New College Durham and the Weston College Group. Working alongside employers from aerospace, defence, engineering and advanced manufacturing, the partnership aims to help tackle skills shortages and ensure training reflects the needs of modern industry.

Supported by the Department for Education's Technical Excellence College programme, AMTEC enables colleges and employers to work together on curriculum development, workforce training and career pathways for learners.

The partnership combines expertise from across the North East, North West, Midlands and South West, with colleges sharing knowledge, industry insight and best practice to strengthen manufacturing and engineering education.

A Shared Commitment to Developing Manufacturing Skills

As manufacturing continues to evolve through advances in automation, digital technologies and sustainable production, AMTEC partners believe closer collaboration between education providers and employers is essential.

In a joint statement on behalf of the AMTEC partnership, representatives from the four colleges said:

"Manufacturers across the UK need a steady supply of skilled engineers, technicians and production specialists.

"Through AMTEC, colleges and employers are working together to ensure technical education reflects the skills businesses need now and, in the years, ahead.

"By sharing expertise, strengthening employer engagement and improving routes into manufacturing careers, we can help learners develop the capabilities employers are looking for while supporting the long-term growth of the sector.

"National Manufacturing Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of UK manufacturing and inspire the next generation of talent."

Industry Support

AMTEC works with employers to help ensure technical education remains aligned with industry requirements

Siemens Digital Industries is among the employer partners, supporting initiatives that help develop the future workforce for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

David Thomas, People & Business Support Manager at Siemens Digital Industries, Congleton said:

“Manufacturing is changing fast, creating exciting opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers. By bringing industry and technical education closer together, we can equip the next generation with the skills needed for the technologies of tomorrow. It's a fantastic opportunity to inspire new talent, strengthen UK productivity and create a more sustainable future for our communities, businesses and wider economy.”

National Collaboration

Bringing together four colleges from across England, AMTEC provides a platform for sharing expertise in advanced manufacturing education.

Through joint curriculum development, staff collaboration and employer engagement, the partnership is helping colleges respond to changing industry requirements and support the development of future manufacturing talent.

On National Manufacturing Day, AMTEC is highlighting the value of manufacturing to the UK economy and the importance of investing in the workforce that will support the sector's future success.