News and events

With the harsh weather conditions expected to get worse as the weekend approaches, we'd like to share with you some top tips on driving in snow or ice...

The most important thing to do before you set off is to check that the College is open - on rare occasions we have to close due to adverse weather, so each day we update this page with the situation at the College.

If the College's is open, the roads might still be icy. Here are some handy things that will help make your journey to College or your apprenticeship placement safer...

Wear safe shoes

The shoes you wear to drive should be comfortable - don't try to drive in unfamiliar shoes like wellies or walking boots. Bringing a change of shoes is a good idea as you might have to walk through snow or ice to get to your destination.

Take it slow

Don't rush the journey - set off earlier so that you have more time to make it to your destination. Accelerate gently and try to get into a higher gear as this helps to stop wheel spin. You might even want to try setting off in 2nd gear to help you get off to a smooth start.

Beware of hills

If you encounter hills on your journey, stick to a low gear when going downhill and try to avoid unnecessary breaking. Going uphill, maintain a constant speed. In both cases, keep a safe distance between you and the car in front.

Remain calm

If you skid on ice or snow, don't panic. Don't slam on the breaks - take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally. Don't take your hands off the steering wheel. If the car is sliding, turn the steering wheel to the direction you want to go - don't overcompensate for the skid.

Plan ahead

Think about the roads you'll be driving on - which parts of your route could be dangerous? Is there a flatter route you could take? The roads around Weston, particularly country lanes and areas like Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe are potential hazards you might want to avoid.

For more information on driving in adverse weather conditions, click here to read an in depth article by the RAC.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Weston-super-Mare today (13th April) to open Weston College’s South West Skills Campus.

The South West Skills Campus, based at the former Bushacre Business Park on Locking Road, was purchased by the College in 2010 and has undergone a multimillion pound renovation to transform it into a facility for computing, engineering, technology, motor vehicles, and construction.

During the visit, The Princess Royal met key members of College leadership team including Dr Paul Phillips CBE, the College’s Principal and Chief Executive, as well as local dignitaries including the Mayor of Weston and the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council.

Her Royal Highness then went on a tour of the facilities, watched College students working in the engineering workshops, and met apprentices from GKN Aerospace and Rolls Royce, two large companies that have moved their engineering training to Weston College since it opened its engineering centre in 2015.

In the College’s computer numerical control workshop, The Princess Royal turned on an engraving machine that created a commemorative brass plaque, which was presented to Her Royal Highness at the end of the visit.

Following this, The Princess Royal was then invited to try a virtual reality device, before unveiling a plaque to open the campus, signing the visitors’ book and being presented with a Bristol Blue Glass Jug.

Before leaving, Her Royal Highness was given a posy by Herons’ Moor Academy pupil, 11 year old Libby Swinney.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “I am very proud to see where Weston College is today, and how the College has been an influence in the regeneration of Weston-super-Mare through the creation of inspiring facilities and the provision of excellent teaching and learning.

“I am honoured to celebrate the opening of the South West Skills Campus with The Princess Royal, who opened our Loxton campus a few years ago. It was interesting to hear her thoughts on the growth of the College since her last visit, and her thoughts on the importance of increasing the opportunities for women in the fields of science and engineering – something the College itself has been passionately working towards for a number of years.”

Following an assessment, the College was awarded the Matrix standard, which recognises the quality of information, advice and guidance. This re-accreditation – the College first achieved the standard in 2012 – lasts until 2021.

The College was awarded the standard by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. It recognises the work done by the College’s ASPECT; Welfare Support, Additional Learning Support; Apprenticeship Sales and Recruitment; and College Information Services (CIS) teams.

During the visit assessor Bob Moffat spoke to students, staff and several external partners. The assessor commented that over the last few years, the College has developed a progressive, learner-focused and dynamic organisation where staff have risen to the challenges of change and continue to achieve high levels of success in what is a team-based and collaborative culture.

He recognised that the College has a clear and purposeful direction, which is achieved through a measureable strategic plan and associated service standards, underpinned by a meaningful mission statement.

It was highlighted that information, advice and guidance (IAG) provided by the College is consistently impartial, objective and people-centric. The assessor was also impressed with how the College has embraced the use of technology to continuously improve their service.

Marie Beaver, the College’s Strategic Lead School Partnerships and Student Progression, said: “We are delighted that the dedicated work of staff in these areas has been recognised. As a result of monitoring and evaluating learner outcomes, the College has continued to develop and enhance its service, including IAG”.

The new Matrix accreditation is the latest in the list of awards received by the College for the quality of its support to students.