Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds (old)
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
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Find Your Future Path
Qualifications Explained
At Weston College we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we deliver a variety of different qualification types - to give you the chance to learn in the way that suits you the most.
A Levels
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers. Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career. A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
Apprenticeships
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace..
Professional and Technical Qualifications
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great way for 16 to 24-year-olds who haven’t yet gained the skills and experiences necessary to apply for jobs and apprenticeships. They are taught mostly in the workplace and include a mixture of personal and social development, and employability skills. The aim of a traineeship is to train you within a company so that you are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship or a job.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@weston.ac.uk. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
<p>The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec"><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC)</strong></a> is on target to open its doors as planned in Filton, Bristol, marking an exciting new chapter for technical education and the Weston College Group.</p><p>Following months of hard work, construction of the new specialist campus has been completed on schedule. With teaching staff now on site and final preparations underway, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a> is ready to welcome its first learners.</p><p>A significant milestone in the project was reached this week as Senior Capital Works Project Manager Mark Eustace officially handed over the keys to the new facility to Vice Principal of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a>, Andy Smith, marking the transition from construction and fit-out to teaching and learning preparations ahead of opening.</p><p>Located in the heart of Filton, one of the UK's leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a> has been created to deliver high-quality technical training for the next generation of skilled engineers and manufacturing professionals.</p><p>The new Technical Excellence College will provide specialist training across aerospace and advanced manufacturing, working closely with major employers and SMEs across the region, including <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en">Airbus</a>, <a href="https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_GB/home.html">Rolls-Royce</a>, <a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN</a> and <a href="https://www.babcockinternational.com/">Babcock</a>.</p><p>Teaching begins on Monday 28th September, when <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC's</a> first cohort of learners will start their studies, with around 200 apprentices expected on the first day and approximately 700 apprentices due to attend the new campus throughout its first week of operation.</p><p>The development represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's engineering and manufacturing sectors, creating a dedicated environment where apprentices can develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed by employers. As a Technical Excellence College, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a> will play a key role in supporting economic growth, addressing skills shortages and helping to build the highly skilled workforce required for the future of UK manufacturing and engineering.</p><p>Andy Smith, Vice Principal of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a>, said:</p><p><em>"AMTEC is on target to open as planned, and it is incredibly exciting to see the vision for this new college becoming a reality.</em></p><p><em>"The completion of the building work, the arrival of our teaching team and the preparations for our first learners are all major milestones. We have created a genuinely outstanding facility in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities.</em></p><p><em>"Receiving the keys to the building marks the beginning of the next chapter as we focus on delivering an exceptional learning experience for our apprentices. Our ambition is for AMTEC to become a centre of excellence for technical education, working hand in hand with employers to give our learners the skills and experience they need to build successful careers and support the future of these vital industries." </em></p><p>Mark Eustace, Senior Capital Works Project Manager for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a>, said: </p><p><em>"Handing over the keys to Andy and the Curriculum team is a proud moment and marks the culmination of a tremendous effort from everyone involved in delivering this project. </em></p><p><em>"From initial planning through to completion, the focus has been on creating a technical training facility that meets the needs of both learners and industry. It has been fantastic to see the building take shape, and I am delighted to officially pass the campus over to the team who will bring it to life through teaching, learning and employer engagement." </em></p><p>With its doors nearly ready to open, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a> is preparing for an exciting new chapter, helping to develop the skilled workforce that will drive the future of aerospace and advanced manufacturing.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College has welcomed new and returning students for the 2026/27 academic year, with each Career Excellence Hub hosting a range of induction activities designed to help learners settle into college life, meet their peers and staff, and get to know their new learning environment.</p><p>The year began with Welcome Talks led by the College Executive Team. These sessions introduced students to the College’s leadership team and outlined key expectations for the year ahead, alongside important policies and procedures to help learners make a confident start to their studies.</p><p>Across the campuses, faculties also organised a variety of activities combining fun, creativity and practical learning.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></strong></a> students toured the Puxton Park campus, met the animals, and took part in hands-on team-building activities.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; learners took part in human bingo and a range of icebreakers, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… & Design</u></strong></a> students created a collaborative ‘Class of 2027’, using collages and personalised playing cards to showcase their creativity.</p><p>For some learners, induction provided an early opportunity to get hands-on with their future careers. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… & Catering</u></strong></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… & Beauty</u></strong></a> learners began developing essential kitchen and salon skills, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students completed practical diagnostic activities, becoming familiar with the equipment and techniques they will use throughout their studies.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></strong></a> students explored their campus through a scavenger hunt before taking part in introductory subject sessions. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… & Social Care</u></strong></a> learners worked with interactive simulation dummies during practical assessments and observations, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students got active with team-building and multi-sport challenges.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Arts</u></strong></a> students were introduced to the course through choreography sessions and fun group challenges, including a creative competition to create a wedding dress using toilet paper.</p><p>Learners across <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… & Animation</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Design</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></strong></a> also took part in icebreakers, problem-solving challenges and team activities, helping them build relationships while tackling challenges linked to their chosen subjects.</p><p>These Welcome Days play an important role in helping learners make a positive transition into college. Alongside introducing students to their courses and learning environments, they provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships and start creating a sense of belonging from day one.</p><p>At Weston College, we know that starting a new chapter can feel daunting, so we are committed to creating a welcoming and engaging experience for every learner.</p><p>It has been fantastic to see our new and returning students make such a positive start to the year, and we can’t wait to see everything they go on to achieve throughout 2026/27!</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p><p> </p>
<p>We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our <strong>T Level </strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; </strong>learners who have successfully completed their industry placements with <a href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/"><strong>Lloyds Banking Group</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Eight Business learners and three Digital learners spent the summer on placement, gaining valuable experience within the Bristol hub and at the branch of Lloyds Bank in Weston-super-Mare. Throughout their placements, learners integrated into a variety of teams across the business, working on real-life projects and developing industry-relevant skills.</p><p>Their work has included <strong>supporting data analytics projects,</strong> <strong>contributing to software development and testing</strong>, and <strong>collaborating with colleagues on a range of business initiatives</strong> as well as <strong>customer service roles</strong> within the branch of Lloyds Bank. These hands-on experiences have provided learners with an excellent opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a professional environment.</p><p>Our learners have particularly excelled in developing their professional skills, demonstrating strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities while working alongside experienced colleagues. They have contributed to projects involving customer insight, business planning, process improvement and stakeholder engagement, gaining a deeper understanding of how a major financial organisation operates. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges have been praised by placement managers, helping them build confidence and prepare for future careers in the industry.</p><p>Many of the learners will now progress to assessment days, where they will have the opportunity to be considered for future employment and apprenticeship opportunities within Lloyds Banking Group.</p><p>We would like to extend our sincere thanks to <a href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/">Lloyds Banking Group</a> for providing such a fantastic experience and for investing in the development of our learners. We are proud of everything our students have achieved and look forward to seeing future cohorts embark on the same exciting journey with Lloyds.</p><p>Abbie Hannaby, Careers and Employability Co-ordinator, said <em>"Congratulations to all involved on this fantastic achievement. The dedication, resilience and professionalism shown by our learners throughout their placements have been outstanding, and they should be incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished. We look forward to following their future successes as they continue their educational and professional journeys."</em></p>
