Creating brighter futures

Weston College hosted a hustings event today (June 24th), in the Conference Centre, featuring the five local MP candidates vying for election on July 4th.

The event, which was open to all Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) learners, attracted over 100 attendees, providing a vibrant forum for political discussion and debate.

The five candidates participating in the hustings were: 

• Dan Aldridge from the Labour Party
• Thomas Daw from the Green Party 
• Patrick Keating from the Liberal Democrats 
• Richard Pearse from Reform UK 
• John Penrose from the Conservative Party

Each candidate took the stage to introduce themselves and present their vision for the future of Weston.

Their speeches covered a wide range of issues, reflecting the diverse concerns of the electorate.

The presentations were followed by an interactive Q&A session, where students had the chance to pose their questions directly to the candidates. Topics discussed included public transport, crime, racism, and the rising levels of poverty—issues that resonate deeply with the local community.

Antonia Travers, Head of Personal Development and Student Voice at Weston College, praised the event, stating: “The event today was a huge success, proving to be very informative to our learners – many of whom were undecided on who to vote for before the event.

“It provided a unique opportunity for our students to engage directly with the candidates and gain a better understanding of their policies and priorities.

“The participation of the student body in events like these highlights the vital role that young voters play in shaping the future of their community and country.

“A huge thank you to each of the candidates for coming in and speaking to us. We look forward to working with each of the candidates over the coming months.”

As the election date of July 4th approaches, it is crucial for all eligible voters to remember to cast their ballots and bring their ID to the polling stations.

Stay informed, get involved, and don't forget to vote on July 4th. Your voice matters!

Do you feel like you have missed your chance to go to university? Maybe you didn't get the necessary grades first time around, or maybe you feel it's too late? You can still go to university, at any age, by studying an Access to HE course!

WHAT IS AN ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION (HE) COURSE?

It is a part-time course for adults to get the skills and qualifications to apply for university. Whether you are interested in animal science, sport, medical or social sciences, nursing and midwifery, law and criminology or computing, we have a course for you.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GO TO UNIVERSITY!

A degree can improve your employability and teach you a variety of skills that employers are looking for, such as analysis, research, managing time and budgets, networking and writing and communication skills. Having a degree also means you're more likely to get a higher-paid job.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ADDING TO LOANS AND DEBT, THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY!

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ the loan you take to pay for an Access to HE course, provided you go on to successfully complete a university-level qualification. Plus, if you are looking at the getting a nursing qualification you can apply for a £5,000 a year maintenance grant/bursary.
 

Here are some snippets of what our Access to HE learners have to say about the courses...

"I wanted to enter into a veterinary nursing programme but required higher-level qualifications. The Access course provided me with equivalents to the required A Level science subjects without having to attend daily classes."

"Through the course, I achieved the maximum number of distinction points and managed to secure a placement in Veterinary Science at the University of Bristol. I’m now on my way to becoming a veterinary surgeon. This wouldn’t be happening without the Access course."

Richard

"The course reaffirmed my knowledge but also taught me much more about relevant legislation and up-to-date study material."

"It provided a definite connection between the work I do and the learning, allowing me to feel more confident within my practice."

"If it hadn’t been for my lecturer believing in me and encouraging me, I would never have felt confident enough in my abilities to pursue the master’s degree which I love.”

"If it hadn’t been for my lecturer believing in me and encouraging me, I would never have felt confident enough in my abilities to pursue the master’s degree which I love.”

Andrea

"Being able to complete this course has increased my skill set and will benefit my work in the future."

"The welding facilities are fantastic, with modern welders, equipment, and PPE comparable to my current workspace – so highly relevant."

"I have been able to make contacts through this course with other individuals who work in complementary areas – these contacts are already proving fruitful."

James

"With aspirations to become a qualified beauty therapist/masseur, I saw Weston College as the perfect avenue to advance my career,"

"The programme is well-structured, the faculty are knowledgeable and supportive, and the resources available are excellent. Take advantage of networking opportunities, seek out internships or work placements, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.”

Martia

Click here to find out more about our Access to HE Courses!

Weston College has successfully been awarded the matrix Standard, demonstrating outstanding information, advice and guidance (IAG), to learners of all levels, from across the College.

The matrix Standard is delivered by the Growth Company on behalf of the Department for Education, and is the international quality standard for organisations that delivers IAG.

The accreditation report recognised how impactful the IAG is at Weston College, stating:

Feedback from the full range of Weston College students demonstrated how IAG is making a difference to their learning, work, career and life goals. All students described a student environment where they felt safe and able to be themselves. IAG delivery is viewed as pivotal to students being ‘ready to learn; ready to work and ready for life’, with these desired outcomes informing the overarching staff approach.

This is reflected across the whole college, with interviews being conducted with members of staff from areas such as: College Information Services, Adult Recruitment Team, Apprenticeship Recruitment Team, Additional Learning Support, Welfare and Pastoral Support, Specialist Mental Health Team, and the Careers and Employability Team. 25 learners were also interviewed as part of the process and various external stakeholders.

The report showcased how dynamic the IAG is at Weston College, always looking to improve and remain relevant to the changing needs of learners:

Over the last three years Weston College has proven to be agile and responsive to reflect the changing education and skills landscape and the needs of its community. For instance, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme for students aged 16-18 has been introduced whilst the growth of modular and smaller qualifications reflect key industrial sectors’ expectations. The IAG offer too has changed to ensure it remains relevant to the broad range of student needs. With a high profile placed upon student centred support, the senior leadership team has continued to ensure that Student Support Services remains well-resourced and is managed with a clear vision.

Vice Principal for Student Experience and Communications at Weston College, Ben Knocks, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the matrix Standard, which reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional IAG to our learners.

“This accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff across all departments, ensuring that every learner feels safe, supported, and prepared for their future. I am really proud of what we do in this field and having now held the standard for over 12 years, shows that never stand still and continue to evolve and enhance our IAG services to meet the needs of our students and the wider community.”