Celebrating 180 Years of the Weston College Group
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:
- 1893: Opening of the Hans Price–designed School of Science and Art (now the College’s Conference Centre).
- 1966–1970: Development of the Knightstone Campus and launch of Weston Technical College.
- 2007: Opening of Loxton Campus, home to A-Levels and creative courses.
- 2016: Awarded University Centre status and the creation of University Centre Weston (UCW).
- 2017: Winner of the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
- 2018 & beyond: Achieved TEF Gold for higher education and recognised nationally for excellence in STEM and inclusive employment.
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.
