College Wins Bristol Educational Award
Weston College took home a Bristol Life Award last week for its services to education in the Bristol area.
The Bristol Life Awards are in their second year now, and celebrate the best businesses in Bristol, Bath and the wider region. As an expanding college group, delivering a variety of training from fulltime study and apprenticeships to teaching in prisons, Weston College has become a strong educational force across the West.
Beating off competition from education providers including ASDAN, Claremont School and Boomsatsuma, Weston College was recognised for its work with leading employers, and for its success rates which consistently surpass national benchmarks.
Judges for the awards included some big names in Bristol business and education, such as Jane Roscoe, Executive Dean at UWE Bristol, and Anna Starkey, Creative Director at We The Curious.
The judges were impressed by the College’s continued investment into the regional economy, the way it supported young people and adults into gaining employment, and how it provides “positive outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged people in society”.
Calling the College “incredible,” the judges said that Weston College is “having great effect on higher education in the South West.”
Current student, Lorna Davey, met Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, to accept the award on behalf of the student body. Lorna studied Media Production at Level 3 before progressing to a Foundation Degree in Film and Media Arts Production at the College’s university centre.
She said: “I can definitely see why the College has won this award – they provide so much for students not just locally but across the area and beyond.
“Throughout my time with Weston College, I’ve progressed more than I thought I ever would. They offer amazing support and progression opportunities, and put a lot of time and effort into helping their students. Having studied here, I’d never go anywhere else.”
Dr Paul Phillips CBE said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for our contribution to the region. We strive to support all of our students, no matter where they are or what they are studying, and this award is a testament to the hard work of our tutors and staff who continue to go above and beyond.
“We are most proud of our students, who continually exceed expectations with our support and help us prove that we really are the best in the West of England!”
Weston College is currently the only Ofsted ‘outstanding’ college in the region and was recently awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education and two Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards for widening participation in education and inclusive practice.
