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 []">Recently, students from the Inclusive Practice Football Academy returned from two national tournaments with medals, trophies and unforgettable memories and life lessons in teamwork, resilience, and inclusive excellence. Led by George Fake, Mitch Spencer, and supported by staff including Nick Chadwick, Helen Mann, and Pete Lane, the squad competed in two high-level national disability football competitions within a month: the AoC National League Finals in Nottingham and the National Pan Ability Football Cup at St George’s Park. </p><drupal-entity alt=""football academy students being given a pep talk on the pitch"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a40ed16-3f9f-42ae-8aea-d4661b05fbc5" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_750x750","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p>In April, the team travelled to Nottingham to face the top regional qualifiers in the AoC National League Finals. Facing fierce competition, they secured two wins and a draw, finishing 5th out of 8 teams in the league. But it was their attitude that stole the spotlight—they were awarded the Fair Play Award, recognising their outstanding sportsmanship and positive spirit. </p><p> Fast forward to St George’s Park (the home of England’s national teams) the squad was ready for redemption. After a mixed start, the team bounced back with determination. They got impressive wins against teams that had beaten them before, including a perfect performance against Birmingham Met College, who hadn’t lost a game in either tournament. With four dominant wins and a 1-0 victory to close the day, the squad finished top of the league on goal difference. Despite this, the title went to Lincoln College based on head-to-head results - a narrow technicality that didn’t dampen the team's pride. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Mitch, lecturer in foundation learning and coach, standing on football pitch"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e8d8086-6389-407f-82dd-5f4b27562598" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_750x750","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p>Luca Tarman-Cooke from Re-engage was named Player of the Tournament, and every player left the field with a well-earned runners-up medal and a sense of pride that can’t be measured on a scoreboard. </p><p>Reflecting on the experience, George shared: </p><p>“Across the two trips, myself, Nick Chadwick, Helen Mann, Mitch Spencer and Pete Lane could not have been more proud of the efforts of all the players, especially how they rose to the occasion at St George’s and battled adversity and showed excellent resilience and sportsmanship throughout.” </p><p>Interested in exploring our SEND courses? <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… 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 href="https://wescoli.webitrent.com/wescoli_webrecruitment/wrd/run/etrec179gf…;. 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>Following the South West Regional heats of the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> <strong>Competition</strong> hosted at Weston College, some of our HE and FE students progressed to the AHT Final in Blackpool that took place over 2 days. </p><p>Throughout the competitions, our FE and HE learners showcased exceptional skill, determination, and passion across the two days in each category, and this was truly reflected in the fantastic results of our students. </p><p>Weston College Further Education (FE) students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; attended, as well as UCW Higher Education (HE) students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… and Prosthetics</u></a>.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Student made up in prosthetics as a green monster"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca0c738d-f939-4b29-a2c8-7670eab5fbdb" 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>For the competition, the students and staff travelled up on the Saturday to explore Blackpool and settle in before the competition ahead. On the Sunday, learners competed in the direct entry competitions which included Spa Body Massage, Prosthetics, Nails, and Catwalk Hair. Within these categories, the learners managed to secure 1st place in Spa Body Massages and Prosthetics, a 3rd place in Prosthetics, and 4th place in Nails. </p><p>The National Finals took place on the Monday where both HE and FE students competed in a range of categories, including Body Painting, Create an Injury, Face Painting, Fantasy Make up, Cut and Blow dry, Fantasy Hair, and Hair styling. Similar to the direct entry competitions, the results for these competitions were amazing, with the Face Painting securing 1st place, Create an Injury achieving 3rd place, and Fantasy Makeup gaining 4th place out of 27 participants! </p><p>Throughout the competition, students were required to adhere to very strict guidelines and themes. This created a real-life, client-customer simulation for some students as it required learners to think creatively whilst remaining within the rules, regulations and requirements set by the competition. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Student wearing a flower headdress with foundation dripping from her eyes"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5502f9fc-8b29-44c8-9c05-a62a60e8a6f9" 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>This was a fantastic opportunity for learners to apply their skills and follow instructions whilst adding their own creative freedom to their work. Not only this, they also got the chance to meet like-minded individuals with a passion for hairdressing, makeup and beauty, as well as network with industry professionals and gain constructive criticism to further enhance their skills. </p><p>These types of competitions are great for building confidence in the next generation of professionals, whilst also giving them credited awards that they can include in their portfolio in order to show off their talent and ability to future employers. </p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, expressed the pride she felt for the students, saying, “to step onto the competition floor takes courage, but to medal among such outstanding talent is even more impressive! Many of our learners pushed well beyond the limits of their qualifications, proving just how committed and capable they are. </p><p>Competitions such as this allow students to gain hands-on experience of working with specifications in a pressured environment which only improves and develops their time-management, professionalism, and their general abilities. We couldn’t be prouder of how our students did and how they represented Weston College. It was a true testament to their hard work!” </p><p>Well done to all the students who participated in this competition! </p><p>If you are interested in applying to one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… & Prosthetics</u></a> or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… & Barbering</u></a> courses, click here. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… you are interested in applying to the UCW Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Degree course, click here.</u></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>Two teams from Weston College’s <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> department recently took on one of the UK’s most demanding endurance challenges: the Ten Tors competition on Dartmoor. Taking part in the 45-mile and 55-mile events respectively, both teams demonstrated exceptional determination and commitment, making their college proud in their first-ever appearance at the event.</p><p>The Ten Tors Challenge brings together approximately 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, each navigating a course of 35, 45, or 55 miles, depending on their age, across Dartmoor. Over two days, teams are required to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all the equipment and supplies necessary to safely complete their route and camp overnight. Along the way, they must reach ten nominated tors or checkpoints, testing not only their physical endurance but also their navigation and survival skills.</p><p>David Usher, one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> lecturers, praised the students’ performance, saying, “We are really proud of the teams' achievements in this tough event. This was our first time participating in the event and we have learnt a lot for future involvement. Training will start in earnest in September for next year’s event, where we are looking to set the standard for the quickest times possible.”</p><p>Participation in the Ten Tors is a great example of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> curriculum at Weston College, where students are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and leadership through real-world challenges. Events like this prepare students for future service careers by pushing them beyond their perceived limits and reinforcing the value of teamwork, strategy, and mental strength.</p><p>This year’s competition offered invaluable lessons. Beyond navigating Dartmoor’s terrain and tackling its varying inclines, students were also responsible for carrying all essential gear needed for the two-day expedition.</p><p>We’d like to congratulate all those who took part! The physical and mental endurance displayed by all participants, including students from other schools, was inspiring.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… you’re interested in joining the adventure with one of our Uniformed Protective Services courses, click here.</a></p>
