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="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> students travelled to South Wales to climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the region, putting their resilience and fitness to the test alongside their peers.</p><p>Activities like this form a key part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> courses, designed to challenge students beyond the classroom. By working together in demanding environments, they develop their fitness while building essential transferable skills such as determination, resilience, communication, and leadership - qualities that are crucial for success within the Protective Services sector.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Students sitting in front of a view of South Wales valleys"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97fee168-39d7-430e-be9d-a0b32974347e" 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 Level 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> cohort was the first group to successfully reach the summit. Their accomplishment set a strong benchmark, with all students showing impressive effort, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the climb.</p><p>Experiences like this not only enhance physical endurance and resilience but also support mental wellbeing. Overcoming the challenges of the climb, combined with the benefits of exercise and exposure to the outdoors, helps students build the mental strength required for future career demands.</p><p>Careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> require a unique set of attributes, and we are committed to providing our students with as many hands-on opportunities and real-world challenges as possible to develop these essential skills.</p><p>David Usher, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</a> lecturer at Weston College, said: “We organise activities like this to give our students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings, such as expeditions and competitions, and to see how far they can push themselves. It was fantastic to see them working together and rising to the challenge.”</p><p>Well done to all the students who took part and worked hard to complete this challenge!</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/prote… Services</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 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/trave… & Tourism</a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; students took a trip to Copenhagen to experience the culture and visit a range of tourist attractions, gaining a deeper understanding of the impact these have on the economy, as well as the operations behind these successful organisations.</p><p>During the trip, students had an excellent blend of free time and structured activities, visiting attractions such as <strong>Tivoli Gardens</strong>, the second-oldest theme park in the world with a variety of rides, gardens, and high-quality food options. This was a fun-filled and historically rich experience, giving students the chance to create memories whilst considering what makes this amusement park so successful.</p><p>Additionally, students and staff took part in a walking tour of Copenhagen, visiting iconic sights across the city, as well as a tasting session of the honey and drinks made in Copenhagen. Following this, the group went on a river boat tour where they explored the city further around the canals, seeing the beautiful landscapes and hearing about the rich history of the city.</p><p>On top of this, they explored <strong>Nyhavn</strong> which is known for its 17th-century waterfront and brightly coloured buildings. Students had lots of free time here, visiting various restaurants and many shops, immersing themselves in this popular tourist destination. During their free time, some students even visited museums to make the most out of the trip and immerse themselves further in the culture.</p><p>This trip was an excellent way for students to make lasting memories with peers and explore a new city, with some of the students never having flown and experiencing many things for the first time. It gave them the confidence and independence of navigating a new city, whilst providing students with practical lessons in global tourism and successful business management. This will prepare them for future careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; industry, as well as enrich them in new cultures and experiences before they finish their course.</p><p>Copenhagen is also known for its sustainability, being a global leader in green energy with the aim of becoming a carbon-neutral city. This forward-thinking environment and its strong emphasis on green practices is an excellent example to our students, allowing them to observe how successful companies and tourism systems operate within a sustainable framework.</p><p>Ben Melhuish, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; at Weston College, added, “This trip was a fantastic experience for our learners to not only gain lasting memories with their friends, but also apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world setting full of popular tourist destinations and thriving international businesses. Taking 40 students on an international trip is never without its challenges, however our students presented themselves with respect and maturity, making it a pleasure to organise trips like this and watch them experience many new things.”</p><p>A huge thank you to the chaperones on the trip, Ben Melhuish, Hannah Forrest, Claudia Jagger, and James Lockyer, for making this trip possible!</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@westoncollege/video/7627045083031833858" data-video-id="7627045083031833858"><section><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@westoncollege?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="@westoncollege">@westoncollege</a></p><p>Copenhagen Best Bits and Bloopers - watch till the end! 😭</p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-WestonCollege-7627045124220…; target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - WestonCollege">♬ original sound - WestonCollege</a></p></section></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><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/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; 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/business-accounting-and-operat…;! 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><p> </p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Recently, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; learners delivered several high-quality flowerbeds to <strong>Weston Hospital</strong> for their Sanctuary Garden as part of the students’ <strong>Growth & Grace Community Action Project</strong>, creating a space that patients and staff can visit filled with plants and flowers that have been grown on site. </p><p>This was a fantastic initiative led by the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; trades, getting all students involved to build 11 high-quality planters and a potting table. Students also created a wooden crate and supplied a variety of seeds and bulbs, bags of soil, gardening tools, and watering cans to provide the hospital with everything they need to begin growing their sanctuary garden. </p><p>Each of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; trades worked hard to create the planters using recycled materials, learning new skills and gaining a better understanding of the importance of community engagement. From <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…;, to <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…;, our students worked together to design, build, and treat the planters. Not only this, students also explored the role of the hospital, the importance of community, and how their skills can positively impact others within their Personal Development sessions. </p><p>Students and staff then delivered the planters to the hospital, setting them in place as directed and treating the wood again before filling them with soil ready to be used. They also attached a wire trellis above the larger planter to allow for the plants to grow and flourish. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to see the space that they had created and meet the staff who will help to maintain the area, allowing them to experience the impact that their work has had on the community and give them a sense of pride in their work. </p><p>Richard Hanney, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; Trades at Weston College, said, “The standard of work and attitude from our learners has been outstanding. They have delivered on their promise, and more importantly, they have represented the very best of what young people can bring to their community. The Growth & Grace is not a one-off project, it’s the start of a long-term partnership with Weston General Hospital and the Chaplaincy team, supporting the incredible work they do.” </p><p>One of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; students, Izzy, added what this project has meant to her, saying, “It was lovely to deliver these planters to the hospital and make somewhere that can often be quite a sad environment a little bit brighter. I’ve found myself visiting family at Weston Hospital, so it feels good to come for something happy and do something nice for the community and the patients.” </p><p>A huge well done to the students who got involved with this initiative, your hard work made this project a success! </p><p>This Community Engagement Project forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; 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>
