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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College Creative Arts are thrilled to announce a brand-new T Level for September 2025, the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Broadcast & Production T Level</a>. This is an exciting and dynamic course that will give students the chance to develop their practical and theoretical skills with industry professionals.</p><p>Media is a dynamic and fast-paced industry that is the centre of everything we do. Whether you’re interested in Film Studies, Directing, Presenting, Digital Marketing, Social Media Content Creating or anything else in that field, you will gain invaluable experience from an industry placement that you may not get from a classroom which will prepare you for a real-world environment.</p><p>This T Level will be led by Media lecturer, Addi Coath, who has a strong industry background in film, having completed a Film Production Undergraduate degree before progressing to a Masters in Global Film and Television. He has also produced many award-winning short films and has even set up his own Film Festiva, 90 Second Mayhem.</p><p><strong>What is the </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… T Level</strong></a><strong>?</strong></p><p>The <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Broadcast & Production T Level</a> is a blend of classroom study and 315 hours of guaranteed industry placement over the two-year course. This will provide you with an in-depth understanding of working with a client where you will gain invaluable feedback and tips to improve your work.</p><p>During the course, you will master a wide range of media production techniques—from creating viral content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, to producing professional-grade longform media such as documentaries, podcasts, and branded video content. You’ll also learn how to monetise your creativity, build a personal brand, and understand the business side of media—skills that are essential for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and in-house creatives alike.</p><p>Not only this, you will build relationships with clients and gain insight into working in a professional environment with the expectations that accompany this to prepare you for the workplace. These responsibilities will be transferrable between roles and will equip you for working with clients in the future.</p><p><strong>Why choose the </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… T Level</strong></a><strong>?</strong></p><p>The industry experience that students gain from the T Level will put their knowledge into practice and allow students to network with industry professionals. They will also build their personal portfolio and relationships with clients which will enhance their CVs and University applications for the future. </p><p>Many employers look for industry experience as well as qualifications now, and this T Level can set students apart from others. It will improve many transferrable skills such as time management, organisational skills, communication and teamwork, as well as develop professionalism and maturity that is necessary for any role. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… you’re interested in applying for the Media T Level in September, click here.</a></p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College Protective Services are thrilled to announce a brand-new course for September 2025, the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Outdoor Adventure</u></a> Course. This is an active, adventurous and practical course that will give students an unforgettable experience and lay the foundation to become part of the future generation of Protective Service workers. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Protective Services</u></a> (UPS) is a diverse and fast-paced course, allowing students to explore the different career opportunities within the Armed Forces. This dynamic course is perfect for students who want to work in a hands-on environment, improving their fitness and stamina, whilst developing their transferrable lifesaving skills. </p><p>The new Level 1 course will be led by one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> lecturers, David Usher, who currently teaches some of the Level 1, 2 and 3 courses, with a professional background in the Royal Air Force Regiment. </p><p><strong>What is the </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Outdoor Adventure Course</u></strong></a><strong>?</strong> </p><p>This course offers a year filled with adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Protective Services</u></a> course is ideal for anyone seeking to build confidence, gain practical skills, and deepen their understanding of the roles in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>. Whether you're finishing school, exploring a new direction, or seeking a fresh challenge, this course is the perfect starting point. </p><p>You will be studying units such as navigation and map reading, teamwork and leadership, outdoor first aid, expedition planning, rock climbing and water-based activities. In addition, you'll engage in exciting activities such as coasteering, climbing, and kayaking, whilst getting the chance to connect with employers and serving personnel across various sectors, such as the fire service, military, and prison service. </p><p><strong>Why choose this course?</strong> </p><p>This course offers a highly practical approach compared to other courses at the college, providing an excellent opportunity to develop essential skills like leadership, teamwork, and confidence. It offers many hands-on and immersive activities outside of the classroom, providing a solid foundation for the different Protective Services career options. </p><p>If you're uncertain about your path in college, this <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 1 Outdoor Adventure</u></a> course will help you explore a variety of career options while offering a year filled with exciting activities and experiences throughout your time with us. </p>
<p>Will Creswick has marked the end of his 18-month apprenticeship with estate agency <a href="https://www.cjhole.co.uk/estate-agents-and-letting-agents/branch/burnha… Hole</a> by earning his Customer Service Level 2 Practitioner qualification - and has been offered a full-time position on the spot!</p><p>Will began his apprenticeship soon after completing GCSEs at The Kings Academy in Cheddar. Under the guidance of his apprenticeship assessor Georgina, Will has balanced his apprenticeship assignments with on-the-job training at CJ Hole’s Burnham office.</p><p>Will’s new role as an administrator continues a family tradition, as he’ll be joining his father Edward and following in the footsteps of older brother Tom, who has been part of the CJ Hole team for several years.</p><p>Helen Hamilton, CJ Hole’s Operations Manager, praised Will’s dedication: <em>“We are all so proud of Will and his achievement.”</em></p><p><em>“He has worked very hard over the past 18 months, and he thoroughly deserves this qualification. We know he will be a great asset to our award-winning team.”</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships">To find out more about apprenticeships at Weston College, click here.</a></p>
