Weston College has a wide range of courses to suit all learning styles
Weston College is an award-winning college of further and higher education in Weston-super-Mare. It provides education and vocational training to nearly 30,000 learners across the country.
We put the learner first and are entrepreneurial in our approach and innovative in our thinking. As a college, we are ambitious and aspirational and are responsive to the needs of students, staff, businesses, and the community.
Latest News
There is always so much going on across our various campuses and courses. Stay up to date on our latest news.
Over 40 students were recognised for their outstanding achievements at our annual awards event, Celebration of Success.
Hosted at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, the gala style event saw students of all disciplines receive awards for going above and beyond expectations, breaking the mould and succeeding against all odds.
Every year students are nominated for these prestigious awards by their lecturers, often for accomplishing greatness despite challenging circumstances.
Once nominated, a panel of judges including Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Philips CBE then decided on the winners for each award.
As part of the evening, the smartly dressed guests were treated to a delicious 3 course meal, planned, prepared and served by the College’s Hospitality and Catering students.
Guests were also treated to a performance from University Centre Weston’s BA (Hons) Musical Theatre students, who entertained the audience by performing songs from The Secret Garden; a musical which they previously performed at the prestigious Theatre Royal in Windsor towards the end of 2019 (click here to read more).
One-by-one, the winning students were announced and took to the stage with tremendous applause from family and guests. They were presented with their award, certificate and prize by Chair of Governors, Andrew Leighton-Price.
Champion boxer Glenn Catley also presented cheques for Further Education and Adult Student of the Year, to Amy Dyke and Michelle Pellegrino respectively, on behalf of Skylight Properties who sponsored the event.
Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Philips CBE commented: “Tonight we celebrated some of the inspiring individual journeys and remarkable personal achievements which have all contributed to the ongoing success story of Weston College.
"It’s difficult to think of an occasion which better encapsulates the determination, dedication and talent of our students than these awards – they bring home the lengths to which our students go to achieve success. The stories we heard of personal courage, success in adversity and outstanding ability are inspirational, and it’s immensely satisfying to see those efforts rewarded.“
A Weston College beauty therapy learner is one step away from a place in the prestigious WorldSkills international final.
Chloe Williams, 19, progressed through a series of rounds – including the WorldSkills national final at the NEC in Birmingham last month – to win a place in the UK Talent Development Programme.
Supported by the College, Chloe will now undertake an 18-month training programme with WorldSkills UK. She will then find out if she has won a place in the final UK squad to compete in Shanghai, China in 2021.
The WorldSkills international final takes place every two years and is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’. The event features over 1,000 of the world’s most talented apprentices and students, each battling it out to be named the World Champion for their skill. Chloe, of Burnham-on-Sea, has had full support of the College throughout the WorldSkills event.
Jenna Ratcliffe, Curriculum Co-ordinator for Hair and Beauty at the College, paid tribute to Chloe resilience in reaching this far in the competition.
She said: “Chloe has shown outstanding commitment to her training during her WorldSkills journey.
“She competed in previous competitions but was unable to get through the regional rounds. This simply made her more determined to get through this year.
“She is a true inspiration to all our learners.”
Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to Chloe – this is a life-changing moment for her.
“Chloe has already excelled in the WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions – and now faces an even tougher test in looking to secure a place to represent the UK on the world stage.
“She has dedicated hundreds of hours to improving her skills to get to this level – but will put in many months more of hard work with our training managers in a bid to transform her career and life.”
The previous WorldSkills competition was held earlier this year in Kazan, Russia, where Team UK was awarded 19 medals. By competing in the competition, WorldSkills UK can identify global best practice, research and insight that will help the new UK government deliver world class standards in technical education.
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The most outstanding individuals and institutions that the FE sector has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the 2020 Tes FE Awards.
It's been revealed that Weston College has been shortlisted for two awards; Professional Services of the Year and Employer Engagement.
Tes FE editor Stephen Exley said: “Excellent practice exists right across the further education sector, and those shortlisted for the Tes FE Awards are the cream of the crop. Our judges were extremely impressed with the calibre of entries. To be shortlisted is an extraordinary achievement"
The winners will be revealed at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on Friday 20 March 2020.
CAREERS NOT COURSES
We know it’s not about the course you take, but the career you’ll start your journey towards. Your study programme is built from the ground up with your future in mind, focussing on employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career within your chosen industry, making connections and gaining experiences through local and national employers we work with:
As a Weston College student, you will become part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs.
This means our courses aren't just courses... your study programme is built from the ground up with your future in mind, focussing on employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career within your chosen industry...
LECTURERS WITH REAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES
COURSES ENDORSED BY EMPLOYERS
INDUSTRY STANDARD FACILITIES
INCREDIBLE WORK-BASED OPPORTUNITIES
AMAZING GUEST LECTURES
COURSES ENDORSED BY EMPLOYERS
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"The college organised lots of amazing experiences for us with specialist guest lectures on sepsis, home care, nutrition and bee therapy"
Chloe
Health and Social Care, Level 2 & 3
