Meet Ryan, a young and ambitious footballer who’s already making waves.

At just 16, he scored his first goal for Weston-super-Mare AFC, in their recent pre-season friendly against Tiverton Town.

Ryan's journey is a testament to his passion for football and his commitment to growing as both an athlete and a student.

Ryan’s Football Journey

Ryan's love for football started early—he's been playing "since I could walk," he says. His talent and drive saw him train twice a week and play up to two matches regularly. Before joining the Seagulls, Ryan played for the Bristol Rovers Academy, where he was offered an early scholarship. However, he made a bold decision to turn it down and join us at Weston College, saying, "I had a lot of Premier League interest but I left to develop in a men’s environment and study sports coaching."

Making His Mark

Ryan’s first goal in pre-season for the Seagulls was a moment of pride: "It felt really good to get off the mark for Weston." His early success is just a glimpse of what’s to come as he continues to develop his skills with the team.

Balancing Football and Education

While pursuing his football career, Ryan is also preparing for his future off the field. He's enrolled in a Sports Coaching course, which perfectly complements his athletic ambitions. "Studying sports coaching will keep me around football and within the sport," he says.

World-Class Sports Facilities at Weston College

Weston College offers exceptional sports facilities, giving students like Ryan the resources they need to excel in their studies and training. Ryan speaks highly of the facilities: "The facilities are good at the college and give loads of options for when to use them."

Ryan’s story is an inspiration for young athletes looking to take their skills to the next level while maintaining a strong academic foundation. Weston College provides the perfect environment for balancing education with sporting aspirations, offering a range of courses, support, and top-notch facilities for students keen on a career in sports.

If you're passionate about sport and want to take your game to the next level, you can study one of our sport courses. Click here to find out more. 

Our Sport courses are part of the Sports 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.

Photo credit Mark Stainer/WsMAFC 

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the Somerset Business Awards 2025 Launch Event at The Mount Somerset in Taunton. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow sponsors and judges, while gaining valuable insights into what the awards, scheduled for March 2025, will involve.

At University Centre Weston (UCW), we are passionate about the transformative power of apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, both for individuals and organisations. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award, in recognition of outstanding apprenticeship achievements across Somerset. 

A degree apprenticeship combines full-time paid work with part-time level 6 university study, with a split of roughly 80% of your time being in the workplace, and 20% in the classroom. At UCW, we offer degree apprenticeships in Engineering, Environmental Health, Digital and Technology Solutions, Project Management and Digital User Experience. 

Entries for the Somerset Business Awards 2025 are now open, and we encourage all our employer partners to enter. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your business’s accomplishments and network with fellow businesses across a plethora of sectors. With free entry and 14 diverse categories, there’s something for businesses, organisations, and charities of all sizes. 

Click here to learn more and start your entry.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.  

We recently caught up with Ashana, who passed her English GCSE after moving to the UK from Guyana in 2022 at just 18 years old.  

Ashana put in a lot of effort to complete her English GCSE at Weston College. While she’s always been good at English, she mentioned that learning it in the UK was ‘different’ from what she was used to, as the teaching style in Guyana wasn’t the same. Despite these differences, she was able to adapt and learn the new methods and overcome any discrepancies. 

At Weston College, she found that English was easier to grasp because the lessons weren’t rushed or crammed, allowing her to break things down and understand the material more easily. 

Ashana’s English lecturer, Tania, found that she was ‘motivated’ and ‘keen to try her best’ throughout her studies, even though she missed her family and Guyana terribly since moving. However, Ashana had a ‘talented way with words’ and infused her creative writing with her rich cultural background which was reflected in her work from the beginning. 

Ashana was given written and verbal feedback from her lecturers to support her and develop her confidence but also help her feel connected and not alone at Weston College.  

It was also appreciated by Ashana how ‘supportive’ and ‘friendly’ the staff were as they were always ready to help with any questions she had. Not only did she value the Weston College team, but she also found her favourite facility on Knightstone campus to be the library, thanks to its many resources and study spaces.  

As a department, Tania and her colleagues were ‘proud of her achievement in English’.  

Now, Ashana plans to stay at Weston College to complete an Early Years course, with hopes of becoming a teacher in the future. She wants to make learning ‘fun for children’ and inspire them to enjoy school. 

We wish you all the best, Ashana, and can’t wait to see you back in September! 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.  

Weston College welcomed learners from across all Career Excellence Hubs today, for Welcome Fest.  

Learners and staff gathered to get to know each other before the hard work officially begins next week.  

Throughout the day, many exciting activities took place across college, to break the ice amongst pupils and allow them to form friendships and bonds. 

In most areas, the day started with an induction talk to welcome back students to the college and discuss expectations and important information. This prepared the learners by providing them with all the information they need to proceed with their studies at Weston College. 

Following on from this, there were many exciting activities held at South West Skills and Loxton campus, ranging from scavenger hunts, to building dens and dropping eggs. While at Knightstone, specific departments did different activities such as Protective Services bleep tests, and Early Years also completing an egg drop test. 

The Health and Active Living Skills Centre at Loxton campus hosted the scavenger hunt for their learners by dotting QR codes all over campus. This was a fun and interactive way for new students to familiarise themselves with the different buildings and departments. 

The Art department at Loxton campus also took the festivities to a new level by allowing students to express their creativity with different projects, such as artwork, collages, and collaborative projects created over 2 days in a variety of styles and medium. 

But the fun didn’t stop there! Learners in the Art department also worked in groups to build a den with different media and resources, using their initiative and thinking creatively to produce unique structures for their dens. They then created paper planes which they threw at targets with a token reward system to use for upcoming projects, creating a very exciting day for the Art students at Loxton. 

Another activity that was popular among departments was the ‘egg drop’. This egg-citing task allowed students to work together and create the most effective method to keep their eggs safe in both Art and Early Years.  

The Welcome Fest also allowed people to put their subjects into practice in certain areas so they got a taste of what they would be working on throughout their course at Weston College.  

The Media department took this idea in stride by allowing their students to complete a camera interview workshop where they all took turns filming, interviewing, and using the mic. 

Overall, Welcome Fest turned out to be a huge success amongst the students and staff, with one learner saying, “today has been really fun and everyone has been so welcoming”. It allowed many students to not only flex their skills and experience their subject on a practical level, but it also gave them a chance to bond with others and build new friendships with their peers. 

Good luck to all learners starting with us in the next couple of weeks.  

If you would like to join us, it isn’t too late to apply. You can find our courses, by clicking here.  

Today we’re celebrating Into Work student Orlan! He has recently been supported by Weston College to find work at Haven Holiday Park’s Mini Mart, which helps to supply snacks and supplies to holidaymakers.  

When applying for the Customer Service Associate position, Orlan also received crucial assistance from his job coaches. Their guidance through the application and interview process helped him feel prepared and reassured, ultimately leading to his successful employment. Orlan said: “The support staff and job coaches at Weston College have helped me with the job process by giving me guidance and showing me how the job and application processes work.” 

At the Mini Mart, Orlan helps when the shop receives a delivery, as well as sweeping, waste disposal and facing up (pulling items to the front on the shelves). Initially, Orlan faced some nervousness about transitioning from college to the workplace. However, with time and support, he grew more confident and comfortable in his position. The Into Work program at Weston College played a significant role in this transition. Job coaches Andy and Glen provide consistent support during Orlan’s shifts, helping him navigate his duties and adapt to the work environment. 

Orlan’s Tutor Becky praised him saying: “Orlan has made significant progress during his time at college. He has achieved English, Maths and has made huge steps towards preparing for adulthood through becoming an independent traveller and developing excellent communication skills. I have most enjoyed witnessing Orlan recognise the value that employment can bring to his life through engaging with several work experience placements and now thriving in a paid role showcasing his skills and talents. He is a great role model and advocate for young people moving into the workplace.”  

Orlan’s journey is a testament to the Into Work program, which is designed to help students with additional needs transition smoothly into the workforce. By providing personalized support and practical guidance, Weston College empowers its students to achieve their career goals and develop greater independence. 

This supported employment forms part of the Supported Employment Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. 

To find out more Orlan’s program, click here! 

We recently caught up with a successful T Level graduate, Grace, who completed her Early Years Educator T Level with a Distinction, gaining her valuable hands-on experience and a great final result. 

Over the 2 years, Grace worked 750 hours in her placement and explained that the T Level was a ‘great balance of placement and college hours’, providing her with a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience to put her skills into practice. 

Grace completed many tasks during her placement such as ‘supporting children with daily tasks’ and assisting them with their learning, and as her confidence and knowledge progressed, she was given more responsibilities due to her capability and determination in the role. 

The Early Years Educator T Level is a two year course based at Knightstone campus. The T Level allows students to collaborate with employers, providing a mixture of classroom learning and work-based experience to help build technical skills and kick start a career in the education sector. Studying this course sets a student apart from others as they develop a deeper understanding of child development in practice as well as in a classroom. 

Throughout Grace’s T Level, she ‘learnt so much from doing an industry placement’ and had the opportunity to shadow and work alongside experienced professionals. This opportunity helped her develop the necessary skills as well as open her eyes to potential career paths in the future. 

As a result of her hard work and dedication, Grace was offered a summer job opportunity with her placement, Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead, which she stated was the highlight of her T Level as it proved that her hard work and efforts had paid off.  

During her time at Weston College, Grace found that the support from the staff and the team were a key factor of her success. With their fun lesson deliveries, readiness to answer any queries, and catering to the needs of each learner, Grace said that she ‘couldn’t have done it without them’. She also found that the newly renovated facilities available to her at Weston College had a positive impact on her learning experience. 

When asked if Grace would recommend a T Level course, she said it was the ‘best of both worlds’, and for anyone considering a T Level, she encourages that all students ‘100% go for it’. With both the practical experience to take her straight into a career, or enough UCAS points to continue studying at university, there is no limit to opportunities.  

After completing her course with a Distinction, Grace is proud that the hard work paid off and she is now progressing on to Norland College in September.

We wish you the best of luck Grace!

Learners from Weston College received their Level 2 Diploma and Certificate results this morning, including GCSE and Functional Skills in Maths and English. The College has seen pass rates improve on last year, with exceptional outcomes particularly in GCSE Maths with pass rates at 30%, 13% above the national pass rate. It is similar story with English resits, with pass rates well above the national levels. At the same time, we are thrilled to see a number of learners achieve high grades including grades 8 and 9s in both English and maths.

With Level 2 courses offered across the various Career Excellence Hubs, learners from a range of disciplines, from Construction to Hospitality, collected their results today, with many celebrating their achievements.

Jackson, who studied Motor Vehicle and completed his Functional Skills in Maths, shared his experience:

"My time at Weston College was truly transformative. I not only mastered the intricacies of motor vehicle systems but also overcame my struggles with maths, thanks to the support of phenomenal lecturers. This journey has given me the skills and confidence to pursue my dream of joining the REME Regiment as a Vehicle Mechanic, and I’m excited for what lies ahead."

In addition to Level 2 courses, both new and returning learners received their GCSE maths and English results this morning, striving to achieve the grade C/4 required to advance in their education.

The College learners have displayed exceptional dedication and perseverance, proving that it’s never too late to secure qualifications and unlock new opportunities. These results are a significant cause for celebration and underscore how Weston College supports its learners in achieving their goals.

One of the tremendous success stories from the day is Oli who picked up his English GCSE result. He said:

“I feel very relieved, and so happy as I can now progress onto my apprenticeship.

“I have felt so supported during my time at Weston College, everyone has gone above and beyond to help push me beyond my boundaries to pass and achieve this grade.”

Maria picked up her Maths GCSE result, saying:

“I don’t think my results have sunk in yet – I’m overjoyed!

“I have put in a lot of hard work, and had great support from the team at Weston College, which has allowed me to pass my GCSE.”

Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones, added:

“We are immensely proud of our learners and the determination they have shown in reaching this important milestone.

“Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the supportive and inclusive environment we strive to provide at Weston College.

“Whether they’ve excelled in vocational courses or overcome challenges in core subjects like maths and English, today’s results highlight how education truly transforms lives and opens doors to new opportunities.

“We look forward to seeing what our learners achieve next as they take the next steps in their journeys.”

If you would like to find out more about our maths and English courses, you can do so by clicking here.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Weston College was delighted to welcome renowned Sudanese diaspora writer, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, as the keynote speaker at this year’s Academic Conference, themed ‘New Beginnings’.

The Conference is an annual event that kicks off the academic year for all college staff, ahead of the start of term for students in September. The ‘New Beginnings’ conference marks a significant moment in the College’s journey, as it embraces a new era of leadership and renewed commitment to fostering a diverse, ambitious, and inclusive educational environment.
 

Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a former mechanical engineer turned influential voice in global discourse, has made significant contributions across multiple fields. She has authored four critically acclaimed books, written two plays, and is currently developing several projects for screen. 

Her work, which spans both fiction and non-fiction, delves into the complexities of human and power dynamics in politics, culture, and technology. Through her insightful analysis of systemic challenges, Yassmin has become a powerful advocate for transformative justice and a fairer, safer world for all. 

The ‘New Beginnings’ Academic Conference aligns with a pivotal time for Weston College, as the institution welcomes its new Principal and CEO, Pat Jones alongside a new Deputy Principal Alex Warner and Chief Finance Officer Janet Stephens. 

The Conference explored how these new beginnings will influence staff behaviours, ambitions, and expectations—particularly in how they inspire and shape the ambitions of our learners. Additionally, Weston College is proud to be on a journey towards achieving Investors in Diversity status, reinforcing our commitment to cultivating an inclusive culture that values and celebrates diversity at every level. 

Yassmin’s participation emphasised this commitment, offering staff an opportunity to engage with her unique perspectives on creating equitable and inclusive environments. 

Pat Jones, reflecting on the significance of the event, stated: “We were honoured to have Yassmin Abdel-Magied join us as our keynote speaker. Her insights on systemic change, justice, and the power of narrative were incredibly relevant as we embark on this new chapter for Weston College. Her work exemplifies the values we strive to instil in our community, and we look forward to continuing to support our staff and learners to create their brighter futures this academic year and beyond.”

Our HGV Bootcamp has had a profoundly inspiring impact on Andy, who has successfully transitioned into his dream career, showcasing the effectiveness of our training program.

Andy secured a position with Towens, a company he had strategically targeted during the career planning segment of our employability course.

Andy has shared his enthusiasm for his new career, crediting the HGV Bootcamp for his success:

“I excelled throughout the entire bootcamp and can't thank Weston College enough for the hard work you put in for all the students. The HGV Bootcamp provided a calm and clear learning environment. The day after I passed my test, I went straight to Towens. The following day, I spoke with the managers, and I started my training the day after that. I’m now fully employed as a Class 2 tipper driver for Towens, just as I set out to be. I absolutely love my new career. Many thanks again to the team at Weston College - you've helped change my life."

If you’re ready to kickstart your own career, click here.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.