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...
Select a Course Subject:
Search courses by keyword:
Search by Keyword:
Select a Career:
Scroll down to view our courses
or select a section to jump to:
Scroll down to view our courses
or select a section to jump to:
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>Today Weston College has been named as one of the country’s new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs), securing a pivotal role in delivering high-quality training for the next generation of workers in advanced manufacturing, which is one of Britain’s fastest growing and most critical sectors.</p><p><strong>Pat Jones, Principal and CEO at Weston College Group</strong>, said: “<em>We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing. It reflects the quality and scale of our provision, the strength of our employer partnerships, and our commitment to delivering the higher technical skills which industry needs.</em></p><p><em>“We created an original partnership group with stakeholders, committed to delivering future skills and economic growth, collectively providing valuable input and support to this work. I would like to personally thank our partners, Airbus, Rolls‑Royce, GKN Aerospace, NCC, West of England Combined Authority and Business West. It is through your continued partnership that we can develop training that is truly industry‑led, with cutting-edge facilities and prepare our learners for high‑value careers in advanced manufacturing.”</em></p><p>This recognition also builds on Weston College’s ambitious plans for expansion, including the £2.6 million Aerospace Skills Academy on Airbus’s Filton site, opening this September. This facility will significantly increase the College’s training capacity and give learners access to advanced manufacturing environments, that directly support the needs of leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing employers.</p><p>The 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges across the UK, backed by £175 million of government investment, will provide around 65,000 learners with access to training for high-demand roles across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital technologies. This comes at a crucial time, with an estimated 600,000 additional workers needed in these sectors by 2030.</p><p>For Weston College and the wider West of England region, this recognition represents a significant step forward in aligning education with industry demand and supporting economic growth while creating clear, high-quality pathways into skilled employment.</p><p><strong>Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England,</strong> said: “<em>People across the West will, like me, be delighted that Weston College will become a Technical Excellence College for advanced manufacturing. The case was strong: over the last decade, our regional economy has created over 100,000 new jobs - including the most job growth in key industries of any region. This shows that when we work together, the West Country is being heard by government.</em></p><p><em>“Advanced manufacturing is part of the West's history, as the region that gave flight to Concorde; part of our present, with the sector employing over 18,000 people locally and generating billions of pounds for the national economy; and part of our future, through the investment that will come with hosting one of just four Technical Excellence Colleges of its kind. Further innovation will ensure that the sector stays competitive for years to come.</em></p><p><em>“The £2.6 million Aerospace Skills Academy set to open in Filton this September will be a key part of Weston College Group's expanded offer, adding to the industry-leading innovation being pioneered at places like Airbus, BAE, GKN, NCC, and Rolls-Royce. It will mean that 40% more people get the opportunity to develop their skills in world-class facilities, equipped for some of the new jobs being created here in the country's fastest growing regional economy.”</em></p><p><span data-teams="true"><strong>Cllr Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, families, skills and lifelong learning</strong>, said: “</span><em><span data-teams="true">We are delighted that Weston College has been selected as a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing – one of only four nationally in this sector. This recognition highlights the College’s strong industry partnerships and its commitment to investing in high‑quality, future‑focused skills provision. Initiatives such as the £2.6 million Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus Filton will give young people and students in North Somerset direct access to world‑class training, hands‑on experience and a clear pathway into high‑value careers. This designation will support social mobility and ensure local talent can build rewarding futures within our area, while also strengthening our economy and advanced manufacturing sector.</span></em></p><p><span data-teams="true">“</span><em><span data-teams="true">Ultimately, this is about raising aspirations and showing every young person in our community that they don’t have to look elsewhere to succeed - they can build a rewarding, fulfilling career right here at home</span></em><span data-teams="true">.”</span></p><p>Strategically located to meet regional demand, Weston College’s TEC status will help drive productivity, innovation and opportunity across the South West. It also supports the government’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to be engaged in higher-level learning by the age of 25, while reinforcing the importance of high-quality technical education as an equal and valuable route alongside university.</p><p>This latest announcement builds on the first wave of Technical Excellence Colleges launched in August 2025, which saw £100 million invested in improving facilities, teaching and employer collaboration nationwide. Together, these investments signal a long-term commitment to developing the skilled workforce Britain needs to compete globally.</p><p>As a Technical Excellence College, Weston College will continue to lead the way in delivering industry-aligned education, empowering learners, supporting employers, and strengthening the future of advanced manufacturing both regionally and nationally.</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/music…; students received an insightful guest lecture about the History of Lighting Control from industry professional, Mike Halstead. This showed our students interested in production about the development of stage lighting and gave them a deeper understanding into how advanced studio lighting technology has improved throughout history.</p><p>Within our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; courses, there is a blend of students who wish to perform, and others who prefer the production aspect, ensuring events run smoothly and the sound and lighting is executed seamlessly. Learning about the history of lighting through demonstrations and a display of vintage lighting equipment allowed our students to gain a practical understanding of how far technology has advanced to improve the efficiency of stage lighting and the modernised technical systems used to control them.</p><p>During the session, Mike discussed his career within the industry, his first-hand experience of the progression from manual control desks to modern technology, and the different types of lights including the challenges that may accompany them for different situations. This knowledge equips students with a broader skillset and a more holistic view of production, enhancing both their technical competence and creative decision-making.</p><p>This insight into the technical and creative evolution behind live performances and studio environments is invaluable to our students who aim to be the future of the industry. By exploring the development from early manual control boards where operators physically adjusted dimmers and switches, to modern digital systems, students gain a deeper appreciation for how precision and flexibility in lighting have transformed production quality.</p><p>A huge thank you to Mike Halstead for taking the time to visit our students, share your extensive knowledge on lighting control, and giving them the opportunity to see vintage lighting equipment and its progression up close.</p><p>This workshop forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; 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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our Level 1 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> students became <strong>Dementia Friends</strong> after receiving an engaging session from Dementia Friends Ambassador, Alan Richardson, who explored what dementia is and the impact it has on people’s lives.</p><p><strong>Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends</strong> initiative aims to raise awareness and deepen people’s understanding of dementia, encouraging them to take small actions that can positively impact those living with the condition in their communities.</p><p>Alan outlined what it truly means to live well with dementia and how small, everyday actions can make a big difference. This gave our learners a deeper understanding of how to support people with dementia, equipping them with a practical understanding of dementia, as well as a level of empathy and confidence to communicate with people suffering with it.</p><p>Following this talk, our learners developed the confidence and communication skills that are essential for careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> sector. It was also a powerful opportunity for our students to gain insight into the Alzheimer’s Society and the impact they have on people living with dementia, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society for the next generation to foster going forward.</p><p>Dale Bond, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> at Weston College, added, “Sessions like these are invaluable in helping our students develop a holistic understanding of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> industry, equipping them with a well-rounded skill set and preparing them for a wide range of future pathways. We aim to ensure students engage with as many employers as possible, giving them insight into the diverse opportunities available, broadening their knowledge, and nurturing kind, empathetic individuals who will thrive in their future careers.”</p><p>A huge thank you to Alan Richardson for taking the time to visit our students and share your knowledge!</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/healt… and Social Care</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-by-subject/healthcare/">Healthcare</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>
