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 Abbi Richards has been awarded the prestigious Centre of Excellence status by the Pearson National Teaching Awards judges, following her nomination for the Pearson Awards, in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category.</p><p>This national recognition celebrates Abbi’s outstanding commitment to inclusive education and her transformative work with learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties.</p><p>Abbi has played a vital role in designing a creative, empowering curriculum that supports learners to develop communication, independence, and essential life skills.</p><p>Her work has had a profound impact not only on students, but on colleagues, families, and the wider sector.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and CEO at the Weston College Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of Abbi.</p><p>Her unwavering passion, creativity, and commitment to holistic, student-centred learning truly reflect the values we champion at Weston College.</p><p>The impact of Abbi’s work is clear in the heartfelt feedback we regularly receive. Parents often speak of her ‘infectious energy’ and her ability to genuinely understand each student, crediting her with helping even the most complex learners build confidence and independence.</p><p>Well done, Abbi!”</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>As festival season kicks off, we wanted a shine a light on the incredible work that is taking part within our Career Excellence Hub in Creative Arts, for our music learners.</p><p>From working backstage at festivals to collaborating with media students on live recordings, the department's commitment to industry exposure is opening doors for learners far beyond the classroom.</p><p>We caught up with the music team, to hear all about the exciting array of real-world experiences that our students are involved in this summer:</p><p><em>We have another brilliant summer lined up. One of the main highlights is Minety Festival, where 25 students are currently set to take part—a number that could increase by 50% next year.</em></p><p><em>Students will also be supporting operations at the Godney Gathering, with up to ten roles available in the backstage area. These learners will play a key role in managing equipment, setting up stages, and supporting artist liaison—a truly immersive experience in live event production.</em></p><p><em>Collaboration is a cornerstone of the department’s approach. Recently, the Music and Media departments joined forces for live recording projects, producing promotional videos and live albums for performing artists. These experiences not only mimic real industry practice but also provide commercial outcomes, with students handling all aspects of production. Learners are credited in the final work, adding valuable, CV-worthy experience while building a professional portfolio.</em></p><p><em>These opportunities aren’t limited to in-house projects. External festival work provides learners with authentic industry exposure. Students have supported events at venues across the region, including Puxton Park, Watchet Festival, Godney Gathering, Minety Festival, and Sat in a field.</em></p><p><em>Each setting presents a unique challenge, helping learners to adapt, grow, and network with seasoned professionals.</em></p><p><em>Confidence is a key area of growth, but students also develop a wide range of technical skills and soft skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication.</em></p><p><em>Many have had the chance to perform on professional stages and meet influential figures in the industry. One standout opportunity came through Tour Manager Iain Robertson—who has worked with the likes of Oasis, Duran Duran, and Gary Moore. He has championed Weston College’s learner bands, helping secure opening act spots alongside established artists.</em></p><p><em>The benefits of these experiences are tangible. Several learners have been headhunted by companies and artists directly as a result of their work placements.</em></p><p><em>The Music Department’s ethos centres on creating as many genuine industry opportunities as possible, with a strong understanding that the music industry heavily relies on freelancers. Establishing industry connections while still in education is not just beneficial, it’s essential.</em></p><p>With such a forward-thinking approach, Weston College is proving to be a launchpad for aspiring music professionals, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in a competitive industry.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… can find out more about our music courses, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On 6th June, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> students came together to perform <em>Echoes of the Stage</em> at <strong>The Playhouse Theatre</strong>, an original production that incorporated a range of legendary musicals theatre numbers from existing <strong>Broadway </strong>and <strong>West End</strong> shows across different eras. </p><p>In this production, time had been shattered in a forgotten theatre and, in order to restore time and revive the theatre, six dreamers were summoned by the Clockmaker to journey through legendary musicals such as <strong>The Great Gatsby</strong>, <strong>Anything Goes</strong>, <strong>Mary Poppins</strong>, <strong>Cabaret</strong>, <strong>Les Misérables</strong>, and many more to piece time back together. </p><p>The students from Level 2 and 3 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> worked together throughout the 12 weeks of rehearsals to create this incredible show! They worked extremely hard on learning the choreography, songs and scenes, as well as developing new roles, characters and embracing this new and exciting original production.</p><drupal-entity alt=""One of the students dressed as the 'Clockmaker'"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cafda4ff-318a-4469-8e36-5f1085856496" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>Throughout this production, students stepped out of their comfort zones and became more adaptable in a range of roles, characters and responsibilities. They developed their confidence on stage and perfected their techniques in a professional, real-life theatre environment which was excellent practice for future industry experience. </p><p>The production celebrated a range of musicals throughout history, seeing the development of different songs and dances over time. This was a great way for the students to experience the progression of Musical Theatre and the impact these popular productions have had on today’s industry. </p><p>The students took on a range of production roles to give them the opportunity to develop their skills, increase their employability, and provide them with a more holistic understanding of the theatre industry and its current requirements. This provides them with a variety of transferrable skills to give them a broader knowledge base, from helping with lights and sound, to assisting with the Marketing of the production. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Student performing a solo dance and song"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9473e72a-4792-486e-999b-5c913d470bfe" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>Not only this, <em>Echoes of the Stage</em> was also a celebration of inclusion and support, with all students getting the chance to sing, dance and act in the role that they desired. It was a fantastic way for everyone to flex their creativity and, due to the variety of musicals included, get the chance to be front and centre. They got to experience multiple quick changes and practice a range of different dances from across the decades. </p><p>Witnessing the teamwork, collaboration and professionalism from all the students was fantastic. They successfully learnt and executed this production in a short amount of time and seamlessly adapted to the new approach of this musical. It was very different from anything Weston College Performing Arts had done before as it was an original concept and script written by the team. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Student dancing across the stage"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb39464e-f596-4f99-8b27-cb956c5feadd" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>Joe Miller, one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> lecturers at Weston College, expressed how proud he was of the learners, saying, “The learners were stretched and challenged throughout the 12-week process, developing their skills in dance, acting, singing, planning, problem solving and performance, to name but a few!” </p><p>“The final show in The Playhouse was a huge success and we are incredibly proud of the work our learners have achieved. The feedback and reviews about the production were amazing, saying how inclusive our show was, how professional it was and, above all, how incredibly entertaining they found it! Here's to next year’s show!” </p><p>This original production was created by the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> lecturers, Joe Miller, Lisa Frost, and Fiona Philp, who worked hard to choreograph and direct this unique and uplifting musical. It wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work and dedication, and with the collaboration of the students, this production was a celebration of all things Musical Theatre. </p><p>Well done to all the students who performed and helped, your efforts didn’t go unnoticed! </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… you are interested in applying to one of our Performance and Production courses, click here.</u></a> </p><p>This performance forms part of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts and Production</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><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>
