News and events
We aim to keep you up-to-date with the very latest Weston College news and events. Take a look below at what's going on at the College!
Got news you want to share with us? Email marketing@weston.ac.uk
Got news you want to share with us? Email marketing@weston.ac.uk
Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.
Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee's ability to succeed.
Weston College is proudly celebrating its 180th anniversary in 2025, marking nearly two centuries of empowering individuals, transforming lives, and serving the community through education.
Founded in 1845 with the opening of its first building on the Knightstone Campus site, the College has grown into a leading educational institution, delivering further and higher education to thousands of learners every year. Over the decades, the College has expanded its campuses, invested in state-of-the-art facilities, and forged strong university partnerships, helping to position Weston-super-Mare as a hub of opportunity.
Historic milestones include:
Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:
“For 180 years, Weston College has been more than a place of learning - it has been a cornerstone of our community. This milestone is not just about our history, but about the lives it has touched along the way.
Sharing the Memories
To mark the anniversary, Weston College is inviting current and former students, staff, and community members to share their personal stories, photographs, and memories. Whether it’s about achieving a dream career, creating lifelong friendships, or carrying on a family tradition, we hope these stories will help capture the spirit of Weston College’s journey. Contributions can be submitted through a dedicated online form, available via the College’s website.
Taking place during UK Construction Week, our ‘T Level Day’ for the 2025-2026 term will be held on Wednesday 1st October. This event provides an excellent opportunity for employers to connect with our talented T Level Construction learners, share industry insights, and inspire the next generation of construction professionals.
During the T Level Day, we will also be repeating the ‘Speed Interview’ session due the success from last year, as employer participation made a significant impact and enabled our learners to gain invaluable interview skills whilst gathering practical advice directly from industry professionals.
Industry involvement is key to giving learners a chance to apply for a T Level Placement, alongside gaining a real understanding of the construction sector; including career pathways, emerging technologies, and the skills needed to succeed. For more information on the speed interviews, please check out last year’s event here.
T Level Day - South West Skills Campus, Weston-super-Mare
8.30am-9am: Employers to arrive/Free Parking on site
8.30am: Coffee/Tea/Breakfast available, meet faculty teams
9.25am: Students in
9.30am: Opening from Assistant Principal
09.40am: Employer Presentations (10-15 mins per business)
10.40: COMFORT BREAK
11.00: Employer Presentations (10-15 mins per business)
12noon: COMFORT BREAK – Speed Interview Set up
12.15-1.30: Speed Interviews with students (in breakout rooms)
1.30pm: Lunch/Networking/Feedback
2.00pm: Office
If you are interested in taking part in this year’s event or would like more details, please email employers@weston.ac.uk
On 10th September, Tracie Leahy, Head of Apprenticeships, and Lynsey McKinstry, Strategic Business Partnerships Manager, attended the launch of the Somerset Business Awards 2026 at Hestercombe House. University Centre Weston is proud to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year Award once again, a category which last year was won by one of our outstanding UCW apprentices who is now also recognised on the national stage.
The awards organised annually by a key strategic partner to the college, Somerset Chamber of Commerce; celebrates the success and innovation of businesses, charities, and individuals across the county. University Centre Weston is pleased to be sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year category, and this award reflects our continued commitment to supporting skills, talent, and future workforce development in our region.
Entries are now open, and we look forward to seeing how this prestigious award can continue to showcase the incredible journeys and achievements of apprentices across the region!