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>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>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Becoming a Nurse is a highly rewarding career choice if you want to help others and make a difference. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires dedication, skill, and commitment. </p><p>In this article, we will discuss why you would want to become a Nurse and how we can help you to achieve it! </p><p>There are many reasons why someone may choose to become a Nurse. Many people are drawn to the job because it allows them to make a positive impact in the community and develop life-saving skills to help others. </p><p>Whatever the reason, becoming a Nurse is a noble profession that requires a high level of compassion, kindness, and competency. Nurses work closely with the community, building relationships with patients to help improve their condition and maintain a safe environment for them to recover. </p><p>At Weston College, we can help you to achieve your goals. We offer several courses, which can act as the starting point of your career. Our courses are part of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am… Excellence Hubs</u></a>, which gives you fantastic access to employers, whether that be for industry insight talks, work experience or trips. </p><p>To begin your nursing journey, follow these steps: </p><p> </p><h2>1. Meet Entry Requirements </h2><p>Typically for a Nursing course, you are required to achieve 5 GCSEs (including English, Maths, and Science) Grade 4/C and above. </p><p>You are also required to complete 3 A Level qualifications or equivalent, whether this be a BTEC course, T Level, or Access to HE Diploma. </p><p>At Weston College, we offer a range of course options that you can complete that will start you on the pathway to Nursing. This includes a range of <strong>Health and Social Care courses</strong>, across varying levels, which will build your skills and knowledge, ready for a career in healthcare. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… here to see our range of Health and Social Care courses.</u></a> </p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">We also offer <strong>A Levels</strong> such as A Level Biology which is often a requirement to work in most areas of healthcare as it provides a strong foundation in biological sciences. Other recommended A Level subjects that Weston College provide include Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology, as these will give you a more holistic understanding of the human body and the thoughts and behaviour of society. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here to see our A Level subjects.</u></a> </p><p>Alternatively, we offer many <strong>Apprenticeships </strong>at varying levels to give everyone the opportunity to study and begin their journey into healthcare. Apprenticeships are a paid, hands-on alternative to classroom study where students get the opportunity to train alongside industry professionals. They provide essential skills required to work in healthcare and prepares people to enter the workplace.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… here to see our range of Apprenticeships.</u></a> </p><p> </p><h2>2. Apply to University</h2><p>To become a qualified Nurse, you need an undergraduate degree in Nursing or equivalent. This will involve a mixture of academic and practical study to provide you with the required clinical experience to become a Nurse. </p><p>Always check the entry requirements for your chosen universities, as subjects and grades required can vary depending on the chosen institution. </p><p>At University Centre Weston (UCW), we offer a range of healthcare degrees that you can choose from depending on your desired career path. Whether you wish to become a Nursing Associate, a Paramedic, or an Assistant Practitioner, there is a degree for you. </p><p>Alternatively, you can complete the Level 6 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/registered-nursing-degree-apprenticeship/… Nursing Degree Apprenticeship</u></a> which is a paid degree qualification that provides you with a high level of hands-on experience in the workplace. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/"><u>Click here to see the available courses at UCW.</u></a> </p><p> </p><h2>3. Completing your Degree</h2><p>During your Nursing Degree, you will typically be required to specialise in a chosen field, whether this is in adult, child, mental health, or learning disability nursing. </p><p>You will also be required to complete a range of different placements in healthcare settings to give you practical experience. </p><p> </p><h2>4. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)</h2><p>After graduating, you’ll apply for registration with the NMC and receive a unique Nursing PIN. This code legally authorises you to work as a nurse in the UK. Your registration information, including any conditions on your practice, will be recorded on the publicly accessible NMC register. </p><p> </p><h2>5. Apply for a Nursing job</h2><p>Once you are registered, you are encouraged to apply to various Nursing roles within the NHS or other healthcare organisations to increase your chances of securing a full-time position as a nurse. Within your role, you can specialise further in your career if you wish and continue your professional development. </p><p> </p><p>If you’re interested in becoming a Nurse or a Healthcare Professional but aren’t sure where to start, join us at our next Open Evening to chat to a member of the team, they will be happy to help. </p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Some of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</a> learners secured fantastic placements this year, giving them the chance to gain experience with organisations such as <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">Bristol Port Company</a> and with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.tui.co.uk/">TUI</a> Travel Agents.</p><p>At Bristol Port, eleven learners took part in a dynamic placement supporting the embarkation and disembarkation of cruise ship passengers. Working on shifts, the students assisted with security operations and provided visitor information services to passengers boarding the Ambition cruise ship, operated by Ambassador Cruises. As part of their experience, they also had the opportunity to tour the ship, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of cruise operations.</p><p>The Bristol Port Company provided a comprehensive induction and training process to prepare learners for their roles. This experience proved to be a fantastic opportunity to develop key skills crucial to the cruise and wider tourism industries such as communication, cultural awareness, problem-solving, and professional conduct.</p><p>The Cruise Industry is a unit on the course, and this work experience provided learners with an inside look at the coordination between travel companies, cruise lines, port authorities and local tourism boards. Learners were able to see how they all work together and be a part of this. This is vital knowledge for a career in travel and tourism.</p><p>In addition, two learners undertook placements at the TUI Travel Agent branch in Weston-super-Mare. During their 37-hour placements, they shadowed experienced staff, sourced holiday deals, and created promotional signage for display outside the store. This hands-on experience offered valuable insight into a wide range of Travel and Tourism services, including holidays, package tours, cruises, destination weddings, and bespoke travel experiences.</p><p>Ben Melhuish, Head of <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…; at Weston College, added, “Creating these links with local employers is imperative to the success for our learners on Travel and Tourism. Gaining real world experience in the operations of tourism in the local area helps us meet the skills needs of our employers, whilst also strengthening the transferable skills and employability of our learners when they finish their course. The learners have once again been a credit to their course and college and the feedback from has been extremely positive!”</p><p>Hannah Carstensen, lecturer in <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…; at Weston College, shared her thoughts on the placement, “Work experience like this is highly beneficial for our Travel and Tourism learners as it provides practical exposure to the industry. The learners were able to gain an insight into the different Travel and Tourism products and services. This will help improve employability and helps learners build professional connections and references for future roles within the industry.”</p><p>A big thank you to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">Bristol Port Company</a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.tui.co.uk/">TUI</a> Weston-super-Mare for making this opportunity possible and providing an invaluable learning experience.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… you’re interested in applying to one of our Travel & Tourism courses, click here.</a></p>
