Weston College students and staff turned out in force to support the annual ‘Santa Express Run’ last year! 

Organised by our very own lecturer Nicola Stent, the run takes place on Burnham beach in aid of charities. This year, funds were being raised for Young lives Vs Cancer, Love Musgrove and someone from Burnham who needs to raise money for a bionic arm. 

The event raised an incredibly impressive grand total of £3,924.75! £600 of this figure was raised by Weston College learners, meaning a huge congratulations is in order for them for their generosity and dedication. The students helped to organise runners, play music and assist with refreshments.  

Lecturer & run organiser Nicola Stent said: “we are so proud of our Weston college learners who chose to come along to volunteer, run and promote the event. The attitudes of the learners were outstanding! It was so inspiring to witness the teamwork, comradery and collaboration between different courses and Level 2 and 3 of Public Services.” 

This event was a huge effort to set up and organise so a big congratulations and thank you must go to Nicola for organising it!  

To find out more about our public services courses, click here.

University Centre Weston (UCW) is thrilled to announce its success in securing £272,000 from the Office for Students' (OfS) £40 million degree apprenticeship fund launched in September 2023. As part of the wave 1 funding, UCW stands among the fifty-one colleges and universities that have been awarded a share of a £12 million funding pot to expand degree apprenticeships. 

Today the OfS has unveiled the names of ten colleges and 41 universities that demonstrated the capability to deliver projects aimed at increasing starts and enhancing the diversity of their degree apprentice recruits. The allocated funding is expected to be utilised by the end of July 2024. 

UCW will allocate its funding towards expanding four of its degree apprenticeships, addressing critical skills needs in the workforce. The supported apprenticeships include Digital User Experience Professional, Project Manager, Registered Nurse, and Digital and Technology Solutions Professional. 

John Blake, Director for Fair Access, and Participation at the OfS, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "We set universities and colleges a challenge to deliver an extensive range of degree apprenticeships that students from all backgrounds could access. They responded with a wide range of innovative and ambitious bids." 

The OfS launched the fund to increase the number of providers delivering degree apprenticeships, expanding overall numbers, and improving diversity within the higher education sector. The fund specifically aims to support projects targeting students least likely to access higher education. 

This development aligns with evidence from organisations such as the Sutton Trust, which found that degree apprenticeships were more socially exclusive than traditional university courses. Skills Minister Robert Halfon expressed his delight, stating, "I am delighted that the institutions awarded a portion of this £40 million will not only be expanding the number of degree apprenticeships offered but have also demonstrated their commitment to boosting access and participation and prioritising equality of opportunity." 

UCW remains committed to contributing to the growth of capacity and capability within the Higher Education sector, addressing present and future skills needs through its innovative degree apprenticeship programs. 

Former Weston College student Beth Cottle has been named Somerset County FA Young Volunteer of the Year! This remarkable achievement recognizes Beth's outstanding contribution to coaching young talents within the community. 

Beth is a volunteer at the Uphill Juniors, an under 14s Football Club in Weston formed in 2021. To win this exciting award, she used skills and experience gained from her course in Sports Coaching and Performance at Weston College. Beth has been coaching the budding talents of Uphill Juniors with unwavering enthusiasm. The award not only acknowledges her technical expertise in the sport but also highlights her exceptional ability to inspire young people. 

Beth's journey from a Weston College student to a distinguished youth coach exemplifies the transformative power of passion and dedication. As she continues to make a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes, Beth stands as an inspiring figure, motivating others to follow their dreams and contribute to the community through the love of sports. 

Congratulations Beth, we here at Weston College wish you all the best! 

To find out more about sport courses at Weston College, click here. To find out more about sports coaching courses click here.

Twisted Web, a leading website design agency, recently collaborated with our digital course learners as part of the Digital Career Excellence Hub at the College. This innovative partnership provided a unique opportunity for students to engage in real-world projects tailored by Twisted Web, drawing inspiration from the agency's recent accomplishments. Through collaborative group work, learners tackled live project briefs that enhanced their skills.

Learners worked in groups to complete live project briefs, which were created by Twisted Web, and based on projects that they had completed recently.

Alan Burnell, Adult Curriculum Coordinator for Computing and Digital Technologies at Weston College, said: “It was great to welcome Twisted Web to the college, to work closely with our computing and digital learners.

"Working with Twisted Web is a game-changer for our students. They tackled real-world tasks brilliantly, growing in knowledge, skills, and confidence. This collaboration between education and industry is really important at Weston College, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

Ross Gudge from Twisted Web, added: “It’s been our pleasure to work with the Weston College computing faculty and being able to engage with the students on their various courses.

“The response from all learners was really positive, and we were impressed with their work as well as their attitude, and ability to take on board constructive feedback and identify opportunities to improve - it is a good sign for the future.

“We saw real talent across each of the different groups that we worked with, and we are confident that they will have successful careers after they have completed their course.”

The College is committed to fostering connections between industry and education, and proudly hosts fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs. This initiative underscores our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By seamlessly integrating practical experiences into the academic journey, we empower learners to acquire essential skills, knowledge, and professional networks, positioning them for success in their chosen fields.

A big thank you to Twisted Web for supporting our learners!

If you would like to find out more about our Digital courses, please click here.

Weston College has teamed up with Weston-super-Mare AFC to continue providing players aged under sixteen to under nineteen with a joint Academic and Football Pathway within North Somerset and the South West. 

Weston College will monitor and support players through their Academic Pathway to ensure they have the skills and qualifications necessary, providing a solid foundation for any player within this programme. 

Head of Sport and Health, Heidi Oliver said: “The partnership with Weston AFC is really exciting! As partners, we're aligned on key values around valuing people and the communities they're a part of.  

“By collaborating with such a key club in the local community we're able to add real authenticity to our football pathway; learners are inspired through involvement with the club and the impact of being directly engaged in community action is huge. This partnership is a wonderful addition to our network and our overall aim of Creating Brighter Futures for our learners.”  

Weston College and University Centre Weston, are hosting a Trial Day for all players aged U16s to U18s in partnership with Weston-super-Mare AFC. 

This offers players the opportunity to join a Semi-Professional environment, in the National League South, combined with a fantastic Academic Foundation to build on their journey for a future role in sport.  

The programme is led by Weston-super-Mare AFC’s Head of Senior Phase and Head of Coaching, Mark McKeever. 

The Club's philosophy is to develop players within their academy and nurture them into 1st Team regulars, whilst providing them with a first-rate education. 

A Weston-super-Mare AFC spokesperson said: "Players are closely monitored and supported during the season to ensure they are developing and improving along our Footballing Pathway, with Mark taking a prominent, hands-on role in this." 

The club added: "We have representation in the AoC South West League, National League U19s Alliance, ESFA U18s Elite Schools', Colleges' Cup and ECFA U19s Cup. Entering these competitions allows our players exposure to some of the best teams in the country to help enhance their development." 

Engaging with employers forms part of the Sport Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

The Trial Day will be held on Tuesday, February 13 at The Optima Stadium between 9:30am -and 2pm. 

All players should register their attendance here.

To find out more about our sport courses click here.

Weston College recently celebrated the success of a secondary school athletics tournament held at the Hutton Moor Leisure Centre. The event, organised in collaboration with the North Somerset Schools Partnership for Educational Athletics (NSSPEA), brought together 12 secondary schools from North Somerset, involving over 250 students on the day.

Central to the success of this event were the Level 3 Sports Coaching & Physical Education, students at Weston College, who played a fundamental role in the planning, coordination, and execution of the athletics competition. Partnering with NSSPEA, the learners ensured that the experience would be seamless and enjoyable for all participants, showcasing their commitment to community engagement and practical application of coaching skills.

The event enabled our learners to take on significant responsibilities. From thorough planning to coordinating with participating schools, organising specific events, and managing the critical aspects of scoring and timekeeping, the Level 3 coaching students demonstrated exceptional professionalism and organisational skills.

The event received positive feedback from participating schools, highlighting the good organisation and professionalism of Weston College's coaching students. The collaboration with NSSPEA and the engagement of over 250 students highlighted the college's commitment to promoting athletics and healthy competition within the local community.

This event formed part of the Sport and Fitness Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

For further information about Weston College courses, please click here. 

In December learners from across Weston College, were immersed in the captivating world of wizardry and wonder, when they visited the Warner Brothers Studio Tour - Making of Harry Potter.

The trip which was organised by the Student Union, was not just a visit to a movie set; it was an educational adventure that peeled back the curtains on the intricate artistry behind the beloved Harry Potter film series.

The highlight of the trip was an exclusive workshop that delved into the behind-the-scenes magic of bringing J.K. Rowling's wizarding world to life on the silver screen.

It was a fascinating experience, where learners found out about the colossal planning involved in creating a blockbuster film. Beyond the glitz of acting and filming, learners discovered more around the unseen heroes who contribute to the enchantment – including planning, resource and funding.

One fascinating revelation during the workshop was the revelation that Hagrid, the lovable giant of the series, had a body double who stood an impressive six feet ten inches tall and happened to be a rugby player. This revelation added a layer of awe to the learners' understanding of the film, showcasing the intricate details and teamwork involved in crafting a cinematic masterpiece.

After the enlightening workshop, learners embarked on a magical tour through the expansive studio, where the iconic sets of the Harry Potter universe came to life. Gringotts Bank, the Great Hall, and Diagon Alley were among the fantastical locations explored. As the learners strolled through these hallowed halls, they were treated to a visual feast of authentic costumes, awe-inspiring props, and the secrets behind the special effects that made the wizarding world come alive on screen.

No trip to the wizarding world would be complete without a taste of butterbeer, a magical beverage featured in the films.

As the year draws to a close, Weston College reflects upon a year filled with exciting and dynamic events that have left a lasting mark on the college community. From celebrating the achievements of its students at Celebration of Success and Business Awards, hosting Open Evenings, and showcasing the incredible work of our Creative Arts learners at the Summer Festival! Let us delve into some of the standout occasions that defined the college's calendar... 

We are delighted to share with you that Sam Mayhew, our Assistant Principal for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Years Honours List. 

Sam has been recognised for her commitment to supporting the Further Education sector in developing Inclusive Practice alongside staff at the College, as well as the pioneering work she has undertaken as the lead for the College’s work as one of the first ever national SEND Centres for Excellence.

Sam started her career at Weston College at the age of 16 as a Level 3 Health and Social Care student before progressing into her a paid role as a Support Worker. Having gained a degree in Learning Disabilities, Sam returned to Weston College where her real training began. 

Over the years she has progressed through several roles and has been supported and developed by outstanding managers and colleagues. She has been part of an innovative team who have developed groundbreaking provision that has enhanced inclusive practice, facilitating outstanding outcomes for learners with SEND and their families, being recognised nationally as a Centre for Excellence in SEND in 2019. 

After 25 years of service Sam and colleagues are drawing on that wealth of experience and knowledge to support the FE sector to play a key role in responding to the SEND reforms and building innovative provision for young people with SEND and their families.   

Weston College takes great pride in Sam and her remarkable achievement. This accomplishment serves as a true reflection of the efforts put forth not only by her but also by other dedicated staff members at the College. They have worked diligently to elevate the profile and quality of SEND provision within our local area. 

Moreover, they have been instrumental in disseminating this approach, including our specialist model, throughout the broader Further Education (FE) sector. Inclusion and SEND represent a constantly evolving national and local landscape, demanding ongoing energy and innovation to ensure that everyone receives appropriate support. 

We are incredibly fortunate that the endeavours of Sam and her colleagues contribute to enhancing and embracing our entire community, further cementing that as a college, we are dedicated to placing our learners, including those with SEND, at the core of all our activities. 

Commenting on the award. Sam said: “I am incredibly honoured and extremely humbled to have been given this award. Throughout my time at the College, I have been fortunate to work with and learn from many inspirational people and students, and I owe a lot to all of them and my family too. 

"I feel very privileged to have been able to work nationally with so many colleges to develop truly inclusive learning and support for those with SEND. 

"My job at the College is a job that I love doing, working with an immensely hard working and talented team; who have contributed in a number of ways and I must thank them all for their dedication, support and the generous amounts of time they have given to enable Weston College and the Centre for Excellence to have the impact it has.”