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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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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.

 

Check out A-Levels Here

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..

 

Check out Apprenticeships Here

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.

 

Check out Traineeships Here

T-Levels Logo

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.

 

Check out T-Levels Here

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

UPS Students with gruesome injuries

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Protective Services</u></a> students took part in an emergency response simulation to provide them with invaluable, hands-on experience and prepare them for a future career in the emergency and protective services industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This event was a fantastic collaboration opportunity across Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW), with our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students acting as the respondents, and the HE <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/ual-level-4-makeup-hair-and-special-effec… Level 4 Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics</u></a> students turning a handful of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students into gruesome casualties, using fake blood and prosthetics to create realistic wounds and simulate a potential real-world scenario.&nbsp;</p><p>During this simulation, the casualties were given a general back story to answer any questions the responders may have so they are able to investigate the two events being simulated: a gas explosion and a fatal bike collision as a result of a knife crime incident. Students remained in character and took their responsibilities seriously, asking effective questions and reacting appropriately to the information provided.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This simulation event was a fantastic way for students to experience a real-world emergency scenario in a safe environment and get a glimpse into the questions to ask, the potential responses and discomfort of the casualties and how to approach them, and the challenges respondents must overcome.&nbsp;</p><p>This event was also a great experience for the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/ual-level-4-makeup-hair-and-special-effec… Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics</u></a> students, giving them the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge and follow a brief to create designs that would match a specific injury. Not only this, they also got to the opportunity to see how their work transformed the event and made it more realistic and believable, seeing the impact that makeup and prosthetics can have to bring a set to life.&nbsp;</p><p>Students approached their roles as respondents with professionalism and empathy, engaging casualties patiently and compassionately. This not only strengthened their communication skills but also enhanced their leadership and problem-solving abilities. Working collaboratively, they gathered critical information about the situation and effectively applied their classroom knowledge to determine appropriate next steps.&nbsp;</p><p>Nicola Stent, Lecturer in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, said, “It was amazing to see how stuck-in the students got with this event, asking appropriate questions and treating it with respect and seriousness as they would in their future careers within the Protective Services industry. This was a great way to prepare them for the fast-paced and high-pressure scenarios that they may face in the future. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/ual-level-4-makeup-hair-and-special-effec…, Makeup and Prosthetics</u></a> team for bringing the vision to life, creating such realistic and detailed wounds that reflected a real-life emergency scenario.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to all the students and staff involved in this event, the collaboration is a reflection of the hands-on and high-quality approach to teaching that students experience throughout their course.&nbsp;</p><p>This simulation event forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></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. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/bsc-hons-criminology-and-public-services/… and Public Services</u></a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></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/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&nbsp;</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&amp;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>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Students and lecturer standing in front of the Versace exhibition

<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/level… Level Art</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Fashion</u></a> students took a trip to London to enrich themselves in famous exhibitions, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students visiting Arches London Bridge exhibition space to see the Gianni Versace Retrospective exhibition, and the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students visiting the Tate Modern Museum.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>During the visit, the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students browsed the Versace exhibition which blended history, culture, and iconic designs, showcasing over 450 rare and original vintage pieces, many never-before displayed in the UK. Featuring elegant ensembles worn by Princess Diana and bold statements modelled by Kate Moss, to stage outfits styled for Elton John, this exhibition combines fashion with pop culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Gianni Versace redefined fashion, creating bold designs that celebrated culture, individuality, and personal expression, challenging norms and building relationships between people and their clothes. This exhibition allowed our students to engage with his designs and immerse themselves in his choices, inspiring them to think creatively and create fashion with meaning and purpose.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Not only this, the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; students also browsed the Tate Modern where they got the chance to explore modern and contemporary art from across the world, from paintings and photography, to sculptures and large-scale installations. This was a great opportunity for students to explore displays from world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, and experience a wide variety of styles, expressions, and interpretations of art. This inspired our students to express their creativity in a range of ways, trialling mediums and different expressions to further their skills and development.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;A Level Art students standing in front of the Tate Modern Gallery&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b86b1b8-5a21-4650-8987-b816028f7440" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>This enriching trip was an excellent opportunity for our students to explore new techniques and approaches to art and fashion, broadening their interpretations and creativity to design not just attractive designs, but also creations with depth, meaning, and symbolism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Nicola Stent, Lecturer in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; at Weston College, said, “I was so impressed with the attitudes of the students for embracing and making the most out of each piece of work on display. They took the time to read the background for each exhibit in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the meaning and decisions behind the designer’s work.  Students were excited and inspired after experiencing the wide range of designs and I’m excited to see how this trip will reflect in their upcoming work!”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to the students for engaging and interacting with the exhibitions so professionally.&nbsp;&nbsp;</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/level… Form</u></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. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design-ba-hons/"><u>Art and Design</u></a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></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/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&nbsp;</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&amp;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>&nbsp;</p>

Students standing in front of their Weston Hospicecare presentation

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… and Communications</a> students presented their&nbsp;<strong>Community Charity Projects</strong>&nbsp;that&nbsp;they have been developing throughout this term. Working in partnership with local charities and organisations, they created promotional content to help promote vital services within the community. This project provided students with invaluable experience in building professional client relationships and producing purposeful, industry-ready content for a range of platforms.&nbsp;</p><p>Students were given a detailed brief, requiring them to create content tailored to a specific target audience. Each project highlighted the organisation’s unique selling points and clearly communicated its services. As part of the brief, students produced both long-form and short-form video content for social media, alongside graphics and promotional materials such as posters, business cards, and branded merchandise. They also reflected on the creative and strategic decisions behind their work.&nbsp;</p><p>Each group was partnered with a local charity or organisation, including&nbsp;<strong>In Charley’s Memory</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Wrington Vale Rotary Club</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>North Somerset LGBT Forum</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Race Equality North Somerset</strong>&nbsp;(RENS),&nbsp;<strong>Wessex Learning Trust</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Weston Bay</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Weston&nbsp;Hospicecare</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Bristol Menopause &amp; Well Women Clinic</strong>. These organisations support a diverse range of individuals and play an essential role within the community. While the project enabled students to gain first-hand experience working with real clients, it also provided the charities with high-quality promotional resources free of charge.&nbsp;</p><p>Students worked independently to capture footage on location, gathering B-roll and conducting interviews to create engaging and informative videos tailored to their target audiences. They&nbsp;demonstrated&nbsp;professionalism and initiative when liaising with participants, ensuring all consent forms were completed and ethical guidelines followed.</p><p>These presentations were delivered to lecturers, peers, and members of Weston College’s Executive Team. Students confidently&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;their creative processes, explained the rationale behind their decisions, and reflected on the professional relationships they developed with their assigned organisations. They&nbsp;demonstrated&nbsp;how their chosen direction aligned with the organisation’s goals and intended outcomes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The quality of work produced was exceptional, with many organisations planning to use the content in future marketing campaigns. Throughout the process, students developed a deeper understanding of time management and project planning, with some experiencing the realistic challenge of&nbsp;communicating with clients while&nbsp;balancing tight deadlines.&nbsp;</p><p>This project offered a fantastic opportunity for students to strengthen their portfolios while enhancing key employability skills, including adaptability, communication, teamwork, leadership, and accountability. It&nbsp;provided&nbsp;meaningful insight into the challenges and rewards of working with external clients, preparing them for careers in the dynamic and fast-paced media industry.&nbsp;</p><p>Gina Hele, Head of Media, Game &amp; Animation and Photography&nbsp;at Weston College, said,&nbsp;“It was fantastic to see the innovative and impactful work our students created for the local community.&nbsp;Projects like this not only give students real-world experience and professional confidence, but they also make a genuine difference to local organisations by providing them with high-quality promotional content they can continue to use and&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to all the students. The work produced was fantastic and an excellent demonstration of the relationships fostered with local organisations.&nbsp;</p><p>This project forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… and Communications</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.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/film-and-media-arts-production-ba-hons/">… and Media Production</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&amp;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>&nbsp;</p>

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