Weston College’s Leadership and Management Team recently benefited from a dynamic and transformative training session with internationally respected leadership consultant and business psychologist, Sarah Rozenthuler. The session, grounded in Rozenthuler’s influential work Powered by Purpose: Energise Your People to Do Great Work, aimed to equip the College’s leaders with the mindset and tools to embed purpose at the heart of their work.

Sarah Rozenthuler’s research and training focus on cultivating purpose-led organisations that drive positive societal impact while also fostering employee engagement, innovation and resilience. The session with Weston College brought together key leaders and managers to reflect on the College’s mission, explore how to energise teams through shared purpose, and deepen their leadership capacity across both strategic planning and everyday practice.

Key areas explored included:

• Creating an inclusive and energised workplace culture
• Building psychological safety to empower team innovation
• Facilitating authentic dialogue across leadership groups
• Connecting personal and organisational purpose to unlock performance

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of Weston College, commented:

“Investing in our people is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in our learners. This training with Sarah Rozenthuler is strengthening our leadership alignment, reconnecting us with our shared purpose, and has given us practical strategies to lead with clarity, compassion and confidence. When our staff are empowered, inspired and purpose-driven, the ripple effect positively impacts every student we serve.”

This training is part of Weston College’s ongoing commitment to staff development and to ensuring that its leadership is responsive to the complex challenges of today’s education landscape. As Rozenthuler notes in her work, “Purpose-led teams pull together to deliver sustainable value”, — and Weston College embodies that ethos, preparing learners for a brighter, more inclusive future.

If you would like to work for Weston College, you can find our latest vacancies, by clicking here.

We are proud to continue our commitment to advancing social justice and social mobility through education with our Teaching, Learning & Assessment (TLA) INSET Day that happened in April 2025. This full-day professional development event brought together all staff for a series of insightful sessions and a keynote address by the esteemed Professor Lee Elliot Major.

The event built on our previous training initiatives, including the 5Cs of a Compassionate College, expertly delivered by Chloe Wilde, our Social Justice and Student Support Director, and the inspiring keynote on trauma-informed education by Polly Harrow, Head of Safeguarding and Inclusion at Kirklees College, and a nationally recognised expert in safeguarding, trauma, and inclusive education, also appointed as the first Further Education Student Support Champion by the Department for Education.

Under the theme “Every Voice, Every Future”, this next phase of staff development focused on breaking down barriers to learning and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive. The programme included a diverse range of sessions, covering topics such as:

• Intersectionality in Education – Addressing the impact of race, SEND, and LGBTQ+ identity on student experiences.
• Creating Inclusive Classrooms for Non-Native English Speakers – Providing practical strategies to support multilingual learners.
• Digital Accessibility & Inclusion – Leveraging technology to remove learning barriers.
• Reframing Resilience – Exploring critical hope and educator well-being.

There was also a keynote address by Professor Lee Elliot Major, Britain’s first Professor of Social Mobility, at the University of Exeter. His work focuses on breaking down educational inequalities and ensuring that every learner, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.

“We are committed to fostering an educational environment where every student and staff member can thrive,” said Weston College’s Principal and CEO, Pat Jones. “This CPD day was about equipping our staff with the knowledge and tools to drive real change in education.”

If you would like to work for Weston College, you can find our latest vacancies, by clicking here.

We spoke with Carley-Jayne, a winner at our Celebration of Success Awards who is currently studying Counselling at University Centre Weston, after completing counselling courses at Weston College!

Why did you initially decide to enrol on a Counselling course?

When I was 16 and starting college, I wasn't sure what career path I wanted to explore or even where I wanted to be in 10 year's time. In between having children, getting married and supporting my husband work his way up to management, I didn't have much time to think about my career path. My husband came to me one day and said "I'm at a good place, now it's your turn, what do you want?", I told him that my dream is to become a counsellor and help others, which is something I have wanted for over 10 years but never thought it would be possible. I had kids, I didn't have time, I worried about money and the workload, but my husband encouraged me to think about it. I started looking into the course, knowing it would always be at Weston College because of how local it is, and I decided to just go for it, and so I enrolled.

What did the course entail?

The course was an introductory course into counselling, covering the history, the theories and practising our counselling skills. We focused mostly on person-centered counselling, the core conditions, and active listening. Barry in Level 1 was a fantastic tutor that increased my passion for counselling.

Where has your academic journey taken you since then?

I then progressed on to Level 2 and level 3 counselling courses, which are very similar, however Level 3 is more detailed. Mel (my tutor) prepared me in becoming degree ready as much as possible, assignments and presentations made the transition from college to university easier. My academic writing improved leaving me with basic knowledge around citations and referencing. However, the degree is a lot more intense, and it does feel like you're starting all over again. As I approach the end of my first year of the degree, it does get easier the more you practise.

What skills have you learned during your time studying counselling?

I have learned a tremendous number of skills during my time studying, which is not only useful in counselling, but in everyday life. The course is not just academic writing or reading, a lot of what we learn in class can't be found in a book. Being in class with a trained counsellor and among other like-minded individuals who all share the same goal, is a valuable and supportive experience. If you think, like I did, that you're going to learn how to simply help others and listen well, that's absolutely not the case. I learned so much about myself over the last 3 years, and I continue to learn more every day. The course has been truly life changing and I'm so grateful I enrolled and began this journey.

How do you think your time studying will help your career?

My skills and qualifications are really important to me, I have always been a good listener and have always been trusting and confidential, people often came to me for support even before college. However, this course has enhanced my skills and improved my knowledge around psychology. I am currently in placement and seeing clients, without this course or the skills I have obtained and continue to gain on university, I wouldn't have the confidence or feel as competent as I do. These skills and qualifications are not just for a wall display, they are to protect me and my clients, making sure I am always working safely and ethically.

What support have you received during your time at Weston College?

Mel was a huge support during my level 3, I went through a particularly difficult time for half of the course and found some days difficult. Nothing was too much for Mel, this wasn't just a job for her, she really cares for her students and would always check in and make sure we were ok. I had many conversations with Mel, and just by listening and being understanding, I felt truly supported during my education.

Have there been any standout moments during your time studying?

I couldn't possibly pick a singular moment that stands out during my time at Weston College, the entire course as a whole was life changing for me. Level 3 with Mel really did encourage my passion for counselling, I was excited and ready for uni and knew this was exactly what I wanted to do and who I wanted to become. At the end of each term we would always do an activity which was planned by the tutors, and on the last day, we made scrolls and wrote our goodbyes on each of them for everyone to keep. Mel collected them up and handed them out individually issuing her own goodbye, I will never forget those moments, she helped me feel accomplished and proud of myself for our achievements and hard work. So Mel, if you're reading this, thank you for everything, you have been a huge part of my education that I will never forget. Another stand out moment would be my final Triad in Level 3 where Tash observed me. I recieved such lovely feedback and felt such a huge amount of pride when she said I was degree ready. A huge compliment!

Congratulations on your win at COS! How did it feel to win Counselling Student of the Year?

Thank you so much! I had no idea, honestly, I wasn't even aware it existed. I remember getting a phone call from Mel and she told me the news that I had won the award. I was so overjoyed, but I was convinced they had called the wrong person and waited weeks for an email to say they had made a mistake. Being there on the evening was surreal, I still couldn't believe it and was so nervous about going up on stage. It was so nice to be able to share that evening with my husband and best friend who have been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders throughout my course, and I was so happy to see Mel again. I still can't quiet believe I won, I have my certificate proudly on show in my living room ready for my counselling room one day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to say a special thanks to my husband Ben, my best friend Karla, my mother in law Linda and my kids Leo and Jonah. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today, they have truly been my biggest supporters throughout my time at college and uni. They may not be able to help me write my assignments (much to my dismay), but they are always there to help and listen when needed.

If you are interested in Counselling courses at Weston College, click here.