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>Weston College is proud to announce that <strong>Chloe Wilde, Director of Social Justice and Student Support,</strong> has successfully achieved the <strong>National Educational Leader in Mental Health qualification</strong>.</p><p>This nationally recognised qualification highlights Chloe’s expertise and commitment to ensuring mental health and wellbeing are at the centre of student life at Weston College. By completing this advanced training, Chloe is further strengthening the College’s ability to provide the very best support for learners, helping them to feel <strong>safe, confident,</strong> and<strong> ready to succeed</strong>.</p><p>Chloe’s work and the team she manages has already led to significant developments in how mental health support is delivered across the College. From reducing stigma to embedding wellbeing into everyday learning, Chloe and the team ensures that support is inclusive and accessible for every student.</p><p>Reflecting on the achievement, Chloe said:</p><p><em>“Completing this qualification means I can continue to make sure our students have the right support in place, at the right time. Mental health and wellbeing are just as important as academic success, and this will help us keep building a college community where everyone can thrive.”</em></p><p>By achieving the National Educational Leader in Mental Health qualification, Weston College continues to lead the way in embedding wellbeing and resilience across education, making a real difference to learners and the wider community.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Level 1 courses are a great way to build a foundation of knowledge around a subject, introducing you at a more flexible and slower pace whilst building your skills and preparing you to progress onto Level 2. </p><p>There are many benefits to a Level 1 course. They create a foundation of knowledge for learners, building a solid base of information and skills which make them ideal for beginners. Not only this, they also build confidence in unfamiliar areas and act as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications. They are also more accessible and flexible to a wider range of students. </p><p>Our Level 1 courses vary in entry requirements, with most courses requiring 5 GCSEs grade 3-1 with at least two grade 3 results. On some courses, it is also required to gain at least a grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. This makes our Level 1 courses accessible to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed and progress to the Level 2 courses. </p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">With this level of qualification, you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2, this includes technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates and NVQs at level 2, transitioning to T Level Programme, or intermediate apprenticeships.</p><p>At Weston College, we have many Level 1 courses available, including <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… and Design</u></a>, <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></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… and Production</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you are unsure of what course level is best for you, check out our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/which-level-right-me"><u>Leve… Explained</u></a> page to gain a more in-depth understanding. </p><p>If you are still unsure, email <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="mailto:enquiries@weston.ac.uk"><u>enquiries@weston.ac.uk</u></a> or visit one of our campuses and speak to the team for help.</p>
<p>Today, learners from across Weston College studying Level 3 qualifications in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</u></a>, BTECs and UALs came together to celebrate their outstanding grades on Results Day 2025! Once again, students delivered fantastic performances across every subject area. </p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Nationally, the overall pass rate for T Levels has risen to 91.4% this year — with Weston College surpassing that figure, achieving an impressive 93.82% of learners successfully completing their qualification</span><span data-teams="true">. </span><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev…; aria-label="Link T Level" id="menur1qc" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">T Level</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">s include 315 hours of industry placement, with this year’s students gaining hands-on experience at leading organisations such as NHS University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Bakers Dolphin, The Bristol Port Company, Airbus, and Lloyds Banking Group — offering invaluable real-world learning alongside industry professionals.</span></p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level</u></a> students also excelled, securing a 94.8% pass rate, with an increase from last academic year of 2.86% and 15 of the 23 subjects on offer at the College securing 100% pass rates, which is a 66% increase on last year, reflecting the College’s continued commitment to academic excellence. </p><p>BTEC students were equally successful, with hundreds achieving top marks in their qualifications in sectors such as <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…;, <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…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Beauty</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… Vehicle</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…;. The overall pass rates for BTEC was 95.4%, up 2.7% on last year’s results and with an impressive 9 different sector areas obtaining 100% pass rates. </p><p>And finally, 98.4% of Creative and Performing Arts students passed their University Arts London (UAL) qualifications, with an increase of just over 2% in those achieving the highest grade and 13 out of the 15 different subject areas achieving a 100% pass rate. </p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Among this year’s success stories are: </p><p>Charlie Owens, a former Priory School student, who is celebrating outstanding A Level results — achieving A*s in Sociology and English and an A in History. He will now progress to the University of Bristol to study English and History. Charlie said: </p><p><em>"I’m so pleased to have achieved these grades, and I’m excited to be heading to the University of Bristol. My sociology teacher, Laura O’Donnell, has been absolutely fabulous, and all the students here have been amazing — I’ve made some great friends. My advice to future students would be to enjoy the experience; it can be stressful at times, but you meet the best people, and I feel like it’s really changed me for the better."</em> </p><p>Lewis Edwards, a former Worle School student has completed the Level 3 Healthcare T Level at Weston College with a Merit overall and a B in the core component. He will now be starting a Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship with University Centre Weston (UCW) and, in the meantime, will be working with the ambulance service. Lewis said: </p><p><em>"I’ve worked really hard on my course, so I’m proud to have achieved my qualification. I’m excited to start my Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship with UCW, and until then, I’ll be gaining hands-on experience with the ambulance service.”</em> </p><p>Former Clevedon School student Josh Beck-Feely is celebrating success after achieving a Distinction, Distinction, Merit (D,D,M) in the Uniformed Protective Services Extended Diploma. He is now set to continue his journey towards joining the Royal Marines. </p><p><em>"I’m really happy with my results — I achieved exactly what I needed to take the next step towards my dream career with the Royal Marines. I want to thank my lecturers, Nicola Stent and Dave Beresford, who have truly inspired me throughout my course and have been absolutely brilliant!"</em> </p><p>Travel and Tourism student Gloria Nicoli is celebrating after achieving the results she needed to secure her place at Bournemouth University, where she will study Events Management. </p><p><em>"I’m so happy with my results — they’ve earned me my place at university! My course also helped me secure a job at Bristol Airport, which has given me amazing real-world experience. I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the incredible support of my teachers."</em> </p><p>UAL students — and siblings — Archie and Lydia Walters have both achieved Distinction grades in the Art & Design Foundation Diploma and are now heading to Bath Spa University to study Fine Art. Reflecting on their shared journey, Lydia said: </p><p><em>"We studied part-time, so it’s been a longer road — but a really enjoyable one! We’ve tackled it as a team (with just a hint of sibling rivalry). We’re both thrilled to be starting our degrees together at Bath Spa. The staff have been incredibly supportive throughout, especially Michael Sims and Annette Milburn, whose encouragement has meant so much to us."</em> </p><p>Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones, said: </p><p><em>“We are immensely proud of this year’s results. These achievements reflect not only the hard work and determination of our students, but also the integrity, compassion and ambition that define Weston College. As a people-centred organisation, we strive to create an environment where every student can thrive; supported by dedicated staff and inspired by the incredible opportunities provided by our employer partners. Together, we are preparing students not just for exams, but for successful futures in life and work.</em> </p><p><em>Congratulations to the Class of 2025—you have made us proud, and we look forward to seeing the remarkable things you will inevitably go on to achieve.”</em> </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>
