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="1 1 []"><strong>Weston College is proud to spotlight the remarkable achievements of two former A Level students, Sophie Long and Dan Aldridge MP, whose journeys from the classroom to influential careers demonstrate the transformative power of education, resilience, and ambition. </strong></p><p>From aspiring student to a respected figure in broadcast journalism, <strong>Sophie Long</strong>’s career reflects both dedication and adaptability in a fast-changing media landscape. After studying at Weston College, Sophie built an impressive career across local and national media, becoming a familiar and trusted presenter on BBC News. Her journey highlights how the foundations developed during her time at college - curiosity, determination, and a passion for storytelling - have translated into long-term success. </p><p>Despite her achievements, Sophie remains closely connected to Weston College. As an active alumnus, she continues to support and inspire current students by sharing her industry knowledge and encouraging aspiring journalists to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Her commitment to giving back exemplifies the strength of the College’s alumni community. </p><p>Reflecting on her experience, Sophie said: </p><p>“<em>The media landscape is so different now from the one I entered nearly 30 years ago and it’s lovely to see how the facilities have been updated to prepare students to go off into the ever-changing world of media. It is such a dynamic industry, so it is great to see that students have access to such high-quality equipment and opportunities within Weston College, and I’m excited to hear more about the work they create within their new podcast suite in the future.”</em> </p><p>Equally inspiring is the journey of <strong>Dan Aldridge MP</strong>, who now serves as the Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare. Dan’s path into further education was not without challenges, as illness disrupted his early studies. However, his time at Weston College marked a turning point, where he rebuilt his confidence and developed the resilience that would shape his future. </p><p>Today, Dan is a strong advocate for opportunity, skills, and education, using his platform to champion the importance of further education in transforming lives. His continued engagement with Weston College reflects a deep commitment to ensuring others have access to the same opportunities that helped him succeed. </p><p>Reflecting on his journey, Dan said: </p><p>“<em>Weston College didn’t just give me qualifications - it gave me belief. It challenged me to think differently about what I was capable of, and that’s something that has stayed with me ever since.</em>” </p><p>Both Sophie and Dan have been recognised as Weston College Alumni Trailblazers, a testament to their achievements and ongoing contributions to their respective fields. Their stories highlight the lasting impact of education, showing how the skills and confidence developed during college years can open doors to meaningful and influential careers. </p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… and Fitness</a> students visited <strong>JC Strength Studio</strong> to meet strength and conditioning professional and gym owner, Jon Clarke. The visit offered an excellent opportunity for students to explore potential career pathways linked to their course, while also highlighting the value of employer engagement and industry insight.</p><p>During the visit, Jon shared his personal journey into strength and conditioning, outlining how his career has developed over time. He spoke openly about the importance of gaining experience, building connections, and remaining adaptable within the industry.</p><p>Jon emphasised that early in his career, he chose to work under as many mentors as possible, absorbing knowledge and observing a wide range of training methods. This demonstrated to students the importance of networking and learning from experienced professionals, while also broadening their understanding of the different roles available within the sector.</p><p>He also highlighted that his career path was not linear. Initially studying a Biomedical Science degree, Jon later switched to Sports Science and went on to complete a master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning. This served as an important reminder to students that career paths can evolve, and that changing direction is a natural and often valuable part of professional growth.</p><p>Throughout his career, Jon has gained extensive experience across a variety of roles, including working as a strength and conditioning coach for <strong>Bristol Bears Rugby Academy</strong>, as well as in private coaching, physiotherapy, and as a healthy lifestyle advisor. He also spoke about the importance of a holistic approach to physical performance, emphasising the connection between physical and mental health.</p><p>Following this insightful talk, students took part in a series of gym-based challenges and trials focused on strength and conditioning. With Jon’s guidance, they were able to apply their knowledge in a practical setting, gaining valuable hands-on experience while developing their confidence and technical skills.</p><p>This visit provided significant benefits for our students. It allowed them to engage directly with an industry professional, ask questions, and gain a realistic understanding of career opportunities within sport and fitness. Experiences like this help to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace, giving students greater clarity about their future goals, boosting motivation, and enhancing their employability skills through real-world exposure.</p><p>A huge thank you to Jon for taking the time to work with our students and give them invaluable insight into his career.</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… and Fitness</a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. </p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/sports-coaching-apprenticeship/">Sport</a…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… 3 Photography</a> students were visited by former <strong>UCW</strong> <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/art-film-game-and-graphic-desi… Photography</a> student, <a href="https://www.joshlomenphotography.com/">Josh Lomen</a>, who returned to share his journey into higher education and the opportunities the course has provided him. Now working as a documentary landscape photographer, Josh focuses on capturing and communicating the changes within local environments. He discovered this specialism during his degree, where he experimented with a range of media practices, gradually building his portfolio and refining a distinctive personal style.</p><p>During the session, Josh presented his work and spoke about the wide-ranging opportunities available through the UCW <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/art-film-game-and-graphic-desi…; degree which is now taught within the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/film-and-media-arts-production-ba-hons/">… and Media Arts Production, BA (Hons)</a> degree. His achievements include receiving several awards, being featured in publications and exhibitions, and connecting with well-known photographers, giving him valuable opportunities to promote his work. Hearing about these experiences inspired our students to consider progression into higher education, recognising how it can open up diverse pathways, strengthen their portfolios, and help them build professional networks within the industry.</p><p>Josh also outlined key areas of study within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/film-and-media-arts-production-ba-hons/">… Photography</a> degree, including portfolio development, website design, and the exploration of different media practices. He highlighted the course’s emphasis on independence and creativity, even giving students the opportunity to create their own photography award which is an experience that reflects the course’s innovative and industry-focused approach.</p><p>The guest lecture provided an invaluable real-world perspective, helping to ease any concerns our students may have about transitioning from further education to university. By sharing his personal journey from student to award-winning photographer, Josh offered genuine insight into the experimentation, resilience, and commitment required to succeed in a creative field. His reflections on developing his style particularly emphasised the importance of curiosity and persistence, which strongly resonated with students as they begin to shape their own creative identities.</p><p>Josh’s success clearly demonstrated the potential outcomes of pursuing a <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/film-and-media-arts-production-ba-hons/">… Photography</a> degree. His insights into the course content showcased the breadth of skills students can develop, encouraging them to think ambitiously about their futures. As a result, students left the session with a clearer understanding of how to build a professional portfolio and establish meaningful connections within the industry.</p><p>Sam Brooks, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; lecturer at Weston College, commented: “Our photography community in North Somerset, Bristol and the wider area develops each year, and we love welcoming former students back to demonstrate how both the industry and courses at Weston College can benefit individuals. The degree course offers students the opportunity to build on technical, research and professional skills, ensuring they graduate well-prepared to enter the industry.”</p><p>A huge thank you to Josh for sharing his invaluable insights and experiences, giving our students a first-hand look at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead after further education.</p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. </p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Progress to the next level in <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/film-and-media-arts-production-ba-hons/">…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></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>
