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>Dean Owen, a Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 3 Uniformed Protective Services (UPS)</u></a> student at Weston College, has secured a fantastic scholarship to become an Officer in the <strong>British Army</strong>,<strong> </strong>an ambition he’s pursued since the age of 14. This scholarship not only allows him to complete a university qualification, but also sets him on a direct path to leadership within the Army. </p><p>Once he has completed his <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; course at Weston College, Dean will begin studying a Business Management Degree at the <strong>University of Exeter</strong>, where he will also complete the <strong>University Officer Training Course</strong>, a consistent programme involving weekly evening sessions, eight weekends, and a two-week training camp. This will prepare him for the full-time Officer Training at the <strong>Royal Military Academy Sandhurst </strong>which he will progress to following his degree. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Dean and other Army cadets walking along in a line in uniform"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3268250-3ac4-4b55-85f7-b02b9b997f1b" 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>His journey into the Army will include two years of officer development, followed by 20 weeks of Regiment training in Infantry. Dean then hopes to join the elite Ranger Regiment, which requires an additional 22 weeks of specialist training. The Rangers form part of the Army's Special Operations Capable battalions, and entry is highly competitive. </p><p>Dean’s achievement is very impressive due to the determination and effort he has invested to secure this scholarship, acquiring his success completely independently based on his own hard work. </p><p>Throughout his college years, Dean has been involved in residential trips, rigorous training, and consistently maintained a high level of fitness to pass the physical assessments. The scholarship selection process was intense, requiring a fitness test, medical screening, paperwork, and participation in a 3-day selection board. </p><p>Out of around 800 applicants, only 150 were awarded the scholarship, and Dean secured his place. He believes his success was due to his embodiment of the Army's disciplines and core values. Dean added, “just from the application process, fitness tests and selection board, it showed me what I was really capable of. I was working at 100% effort, and it made me realise what I could do—and that made me really proud.” </p><drupal-entity alt=""Dean and another Army cadet person standing in uniform"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f3f6f5-6763-40ad-ae03-3550f06f21c9" 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>The scholarship provides a structured seven-year path: three years at university and four years of Army service, although recipients can begin military service straight out of college if they choose. Dean will receive an annual bursary starting at £2,000, with the potential to rise depending on performance during training. Once he completes his education and training, Dean will enter the Army as a Commissioned Officer. </p><p>Dean’s ambition is to serve a full 22-year career in the Army, ideally in the Rangers, and rise through the ranks. For him, the scholarship is more than financial support, it’s the gateway to a meaningful and fulfilling career. He sees it as an opportunity to lead, to challenge himself, and to make a lasting contribution. </p><p>Dean’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with focus, resilience, and a clear career path. His future in the Army is bright, and his journey is only just beginning. Good luck in the future Dean! </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 a Protective Services course, click here.</u></a> </p>
<p>Students and staff from the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… of Inclusive Practice</a> have successfully completed their first international <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; residential training programme in Canada, made possible by the <strong>Turing Scheme</strong>, a fantastic initiative designed to break down financial barriers and open doors to global learning opportunities.</p><p data-start="2311" data-end="2751">The Turing Scheme provides vital funding to education providers, helping ensure students of all backgrounds can access international study and training opportunities. The programme supports a more inclusive and globally-minded educational experience that empowers students to gain practical skills, global awareness, and lifelong memories.</p><p>The group travelled across western Canada, starting in Vancouver. They visited major landmarks such as Stanley Park, the Capilano ‘Bessant’ Bridge cliff walk, Grouse Mountain, and experienced local culture through food and city life, sampling local favourites like poutine, moose burgers, and towering stacks of maple syrup-covered pancakes.</p><p>The group then travelled to Hudson’s Hope in British Columbia, where they spent time living in a rural community. They visited sites such as the Peace Canyon Dam, took part in fossil hunting, campfire cooking, and school-based activities. Each student also completed work experience placements and contributed to daily tasks such as preparing meals.</p><p>During the trip, the group visited several lakes, hiked local trails, explored caves, and took part in activities including baseball training. Many tried new foods and saw wildlife including moose and bears.</p><p>For many students, this was their first time leaving the country or flying. They adapted well to the challenges of international travel and unfamiliar environments, building confidence and learning practical skills, from navigating airports and ordering transport to interacting with local communities and managing daily routines.</p><p>The experience provided valuable personal and professional development, giving students the opportunity to grow their independence, expand their cultural understanding, and develop new workplace and life skills in a completely different setting.</p><p>Thank you to the staff who attended, this trip would not have been possible without your efforts and support!</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… college is one of three SEND Centres for Excellence, click her to find out more.</a></p><p> </p><p> </p>
<p>Max and Kieran, two <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… Construction</a> students from Weston College, recently demonstrated their skill and professionalism at the <strong>South West Skills (SWS) Challenge Construction</strong> event held at <strong>Yeovil College</strong>. Competing against learners from other local colleges, the pair were set the demanding task of building a stretcher bond wall featuring a 90-degree herringbone pattern with recessed joints—an intricate challenge that tested precision, speed, and skills.</p><p>Although only first and second place were awarded prizes, Max and Kieran narrowly missed out, with judges remarking on how close the competition was. Remarkably, they completed the task in just four hours which was an hour ahead of the allotted five-hour limit. This showcased their excellent time management and efficiency under pressure.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Student and lecturer standing next to his final brickwork competition submission"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c3219f6-e084-4744-994e-761529eadea2" 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>The <strong>SWS Challenge series</strong>, newly introduced this academic year, covers a range of subject areas and aims to enhance technical abilities and build students’ confidence for future employment and competitions. Events like these are crucial in helping students apply their classroom learning to real-world application. They provide a platform for learners to develop key transferable skills such as problem-solving, organisation, and communication in a high-pressure, hands-on environment.</p><p>Max and Kieran’s performance was applauded not only for the quality of their work but also for their professionalism and attitude. Christie Ross and Duncan Edwards, two of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… Construction</a> lecturers and their personal tutors, accompanied them to the event and expressed how proud they were of how Max and Kieran held themselves throughout the day.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Student and lecturer standing next to his final brickwork competition submission"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d132b05-3d55-4820-9600-4144181c1208" 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>Christie shared, “I was told by the brickwork staff there they were an absolute credit to Weston College—and they were! They went in, had fun with it, and represented Weston College perfectly. Hopefully next year, when we host the competition, we will get some points for the home team!"</p><p>Beyond the technical experience, the competition offered the students valuable opportunities to network with industry professionals serving as judges, who provided constructive feedback to assist in their continued development. It also gave them the chance to connect with peers who share similar interests and aspirations in construction.</p><p>After college, both Max and Kieran are set to begin apprenticeships in September with <strong>Dan Findlay Construction Ltd</strong>., working on <strong>Persimmon sites</strong>. Their experience at the SWS Challenge has made them more prepared for the next step in their careers. They walked away not only with new skills and insights, but with a few souvenirs and a memorable experience that will shape their personal and professional journey.</p><p>Well done to Max and Kieran for their hard work and their professionalism, you did Weston College proud!</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… you’re interested in applying to one of our Construction courses, click here.</a></p>
