Weston College is proud to announce that Chloe Wilde, Director of Social Justice and Student Support, has successfully achieved the National Educational Leader in Mental Health qualification.

This nationally recognised qualification highlights Chloe’s expertise and commitment to ensuring mental health and wellbeing are at the centre of student life at Weston College. By completing this advanced training, Chloe is further strengthening the College’s ability to provide the very best support for learners, helping them to feel safe, confident, and ready to succeed.

Chloe’s work and the team she manages has already led to significant developments in how mental health support is delivered across the College. From reducing stigma to embedding wellbeing into everyday learning, Chloe and the team ensures that support is inclusive and accessible for every student.

Reflecting on the achievement, Chloe said:

“Completing this qualification means I can continue to make sure our students have the right support in place, at the right time. Mental health and wellbeing are just as important as academic success, and this will help us keep building a college community where everyone can thrive.”

By achieving the National Educational Leader in Mental Health qualification, Weston College continues to lead the way in embedding wellbeing and resilience across education, making a real difference to learners and the wider community.

University Centre Weston (UCW) and the University of Worcester have officially signed their partnership agreement, marking a significant step forward in their shared mission to expand higher education opportunities in the South West. 

The signing ceremony took place on Friday 29th August 2025 at the historic Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, with senior leaders from both institutions in attendance. Following the formal signing, guests toured UCW’s Winter Gardens facilities before visiting the Health and Active Living Skills Centre (HALSC), home to UCW’s state-of-the-art clinical skills, simulation, and health education spaces. 

The partnership builds on both institutions’ commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education that meets the needs of local communities and employers. Together, UCW and the University of Worcester are already collaborating to deliver the new Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. This innovative programme will equip apprentices with the vital skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive as paramedics, directly addressing workforce needs across the region. 

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: 
“We are delighted to be working with University Centre Weston to create new educational and professional opportunities for people in the Southwest.  

“We have a long, deep commitment to inclusion and helping people to fulfil their potential.  

The official statistics show that Worcester graduates have the best record of sustained employment in the UK*.  

Ofsted rates Worcester as ‘Outstanding’ and started its most recent report on us by saying: ‘Trainees benefit from an exceptional learning experience at the University of Worcester.’ We plan to bring this same quality to our work with University Centre Weston, which is such a high-quality education provider itself. Together, we are determined to provide truly valuable educational opportunities for the people of this region.” 

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, added: 
“This partnership is about much more than a single programme – it’s about our shared ambition to create opportunities, raise aspirations, and support the needs of local people and employers. UCW and the University of Worcester share a deep commitment to community-focused education, and today’s signing marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.” 

The Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship forms part of UCW’s Healthcare Careers Excellence Hub, which is one of ten sector-specific hubs designed to create clear pathways between education and employment. By working with the University of Worcester, UCW is strengthening its ability to deliver high-quality, employer-responsive programmes that empower learners to achieve their goals while addressing regional and national skills needs. 

The event concluded with a tour of UCW’s advanced clinical training facilities at HALSC, where guests saw first-hand the innovative environments that will support future cohorts of health and social care professionals. 

This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of higher education in the South West and underlines both institutions shared vision of excellence, opportunity, and community impact. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to inclusion and wellbeing, Weston College has officially signed the College of Sanctuary Pledge, reinforcing its vision to be a place of welcome, understanding and opportunity for all.  

The pledge builds on the College’s 5Cs Trauma-Informed Approach for a Compassionate College; Connect, Care, Consistent, Challenge, Celebrate. This framework is a whole college approach that embeds these core principles into every aspect of college life. This holistic strategy fosters a culture of psychological safety, promoting positive behaviours, emotional wellbeing, and a supportive environment where everyone, especially those who have experienced adversity or displacement, can thrive. 

Signing the College of Sanctuary Pledge is a natural next step in this work and strengthens the College’s commitment to championing sanctuary seekers and ESOL learners across its campuses. 

As part of the national City of Sanctuary movement, the College of Sanctuary initiative recognises and supports further education institutions that foster a culture of welcome and understanding for those fleeing violence, persecution, and hardship. By signing the pledge, Weston College commits to going above and beyond to support sanctuary seekers in achieving their educational and personal goals. 

“This pledge is more than a promise, it’s a reflection of our values,” said Chloe Wilde, Director - Social Justice and Student Support at Weston College. “We are dedicated to breaking down barriers to education, championing inclusivity, and ensuring that every learner, no matter their background, feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.” 

Through a range of ESOL courses, community engagement activities, and targeted support services, Weston College has long been a beacon of opportunity for sanctuary seekers. The College’s inclusive approach ensures that learners from all backgrounds receive the tailored support they need to thrive both academically and personally. 

 By signing the pledge, Weston College also commits to: 

1. Promoting understanding and awareness of sanctuary issues across the College community 
2. Sharing good practice and learning with other colleges and stakeholders 
3. Developing and expanding outreach and partnership work with local refugee and asylum organisations 
4. Embedding sanctuary values into college policies, staff development, and curriculum content 

By signing the pledge, Weston College is taking another meaningful step toward becoming a recognised College of Sanctuary, reflecting its commitment to using education as a force for positive change and a way to create a more inclusive, supportive community for everyone. 

 To learn more about Weston College’s ESOL programmes, please visit -  PRE EMPLOYMENT COMMUNITY ESOL COURSES | Weston College