<p>We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our <strong>T Level </strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; </strong>learners who have successfully completed their industry placements with <a href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/"><strong>Lloyds Banking Group</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Eight Business learners and three Digital learners spent the summer on placement, gaining valuable experience within the Bristol hub and at the branch of Lloyds Bank in Weston-super-Mare. Throughout their placements, learners integrated into a variety of teams across the business, working on real-life projects and developing industry-relevant skills.</p><p>Their work has included <strong>supporting data analytics projects,</strong> <strong>contributing to software development and testing</strong>, and <strong>collaborating with colleagues on a range of business initiatives</strong> as well as <strong>customer service roles</strong> within the branch of Lloyds Bank. These hands-on experiences have provided learners with an excellent opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a professional environment.</p><p>Our learners have particularly excelled in developing their professional skills, demonstrating strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities while working alongside experienced colleagues. They have contributed to projects involving customer insight, business planning, process improvement and stakeholder engagement, gaining a deeper understanding of how a major financial organisation operates. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges have been praised by placement managers, helping them build confidence and prepare for future careers in the industry.</p><p>Many of the learners will now progress to assessment days, where they will have the opportunity to be considered for future employment and apprenticeship opportunities within Lloyds Banking Group.</p><p>We would like to extend our sincere thanks to <a href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/">Lloyds Banking Group</a> for providing such a fantastic experience and for investing in the development of our learners. We are proud of everything our students have achieved and look forward to seeing future cohorts embark on the same exciting journey with Lloyds.</p><p>Abbie Hannaby, Careers and Employability Co-ordinator, said <em>"Congratulations to all involved on this fantastic achievement. The dedication, resilience and professionalism shown by our learners throughout their placements have been outstanding, and they should be incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished. We look forward to following their future successes as they continue their educational and professional journeys."</em></p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, Weston College’s <strong>Esports Academy</strong> celebrated a historic achievement as its students secured their first-ever tournament victory at the <strong>Radiant Rumble 2026</strong> event, organised by South Devon College.</p><p>Hosted at <strong>Arena Torquay</strong> and delivered by South Devon College students, the tournament brought together the four teams that had successfully progressed through the online qualification stages earlier in the academic year. The finalists represented <strong>South Devon College</strong>, <strong>Exeter College</strong>, <strong>Teignmouth Sixth Form</strong>, and Weston College, creating a highly competitive showcase of Esports talent from across the South West.</p><p>Throughout the event, the Weston Waveriders demonstrated exceptional teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience, combining these qualities with their passion and skill for competitive gaming. The tournament also provided an excellent opportunity for students to network with like-minded peers from other institutions, share experiences, and gain insight into different approaches to gameplay and team strategy.</p><p>The day began with Exeter College defeating South Devon College to secure their place in the Grand Final. Weston College then faced Teignmouth Sixth Form in a semi-final, where the Waveriders held-up under pressure to achieve a 13–11 victory and secure their place in the final alongside Exeter College.</p><p>The Grand Final was played as a Best-of-3 series. Exeter College claimed the opening map despite a determined Weston comeback attempt, but the Waveriders responded brilliantly in Map 2 to level the series and force a deciding map. Due to time constraints, the final map was played as a Swiftplay, with the first team to win five rounds crowned champions.</p><p>Weston College endured a difficult start, falling 1–4 behind and facing elimination. However, the team displayed remarkable composure and determination, surviving match point on four separate occasions before completing an incredible comeback to win 5–4. The victory secured the team's first tournament title and trophy, crowning the Weston Waveriders champions of the Radiant Rumble 2026.</p><p>Experiences such as these provide students with far more than competitive success. Participating in high-pressure tournaments helps learners develop confidence, communication skills, leadership qualities, and resilience, while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. The Waveriders’ performance throughout the competition was a perfect demonstration of their ability to remain calm under pressure and perform at the best of their ability.</p><p>The Weston College Esports Academy brings together students from a wide range of curriculum areas, including <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… Installation</a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</a>. Despite their varied academic backgrounds, they have built a close-knit and highly effective team, demonstrating the collaborative skills that are essential both within Esports and the wider workplace.</p><p>Will Price, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; Lecturer at Weston College, said: “This year has been a fantastic one for our Esports Academy, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch the team grow and achieve the success they have. I would like to say a special thank you to the six students who have helped shape this team and kept it not only running, but winning. They have demonstrated the value of participation, proving that hard work, perseverance, and dedication lead to success and help develop resilient individuals.</p><p>“Their mentality throughout the year has been outstanding. Even when faced with setbacks, they never panicked. Instead, they continued to push forward, adapt, improve, and trust the process until they achieved the results they deserved. A huge thank you goes to Harry Blake, Harry Lister, Taylor Kelly, Lucas Rodgers, Jayden Rnjak, and Brian Ridley for their commitment and dedication to the team this year. We would not have achieved this result without their efforts.”</p><p>Congratulations to the Weston Waveriders and everyone involved in the Esports Academy on this fantastic achievement to conclude the academic year.</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&amp;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 []">This month, Weston College celebrated <strong>Raising and Giving (RAG) Week</strong> with the theme of the Wild West. The themed event gave everyone the chance to organise games, activities, and raffles in support of two incredible charities: <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> provides vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, while also offering essential emotional support to their families. <strong>UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)</strong> operates in over 190 countries, working to protect children’s rights through initiatives such as vaccinations, education, access to food and clean water, and safeguarding.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the week, students from across the college took part in a wide variety of fundraising activities, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and community spirit. RAG Week is held annually at colleges across the UK and is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved, have fun, and make a difference ahead of the exam season.&nbsp;</p><p>Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; learners played a huge role in the week’s success, hosting an exciting lineup of events including a dance-a-thon, Mario Kart tournaments, Buckaroo and Pony Club racing, karaoke sessions, and even a Wild West-themed bar serving snacks and drinks. Their energy and commitment were outstanding, with multiple events taking place each day.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas also embraced the challenge, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; students going above and beyond by selling scrap wood and organising a raffle featuring high-quality tools. Across the college, staff and students fully embraced the theme, dressing up in cowboy hats, bandanas, and plenty of denim. The Student Engagement Team added to the atmosphere by selling themed accessories, helping to raise additional funds while encouraging participation.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students also organised an impressive 30-mile Wild West-themed stretcher relay challenge along the seafront. This provided a great opportunity for students to have fun, stay active, and support two meaningful causes, as well as prepare them for the upcoming Ten Tors Challenge and future careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> industry. &nbsp;</p><p>A highlight of the week was the college-wide raffle, which included a range of popular prizes such as day passes and tickets to local attractions, including restaurants, cinemas, and activity centres. Bake sales were also held to boost fundraising efforts.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas across the college also got involved, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a> students enjoying a pyjama day, while <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…; students organised a games afternoon and football match. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students hosted a Nerf gun tin can alley and a rodeo rush event, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; students led a Pokémon GO raid walk through Weston-super-Mare town centre.&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus, creating an exciting, inclusive, and impactful celebration of community and charity. In total, RAG Week raised an impressive&nbsp;£3,723.98 for <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to everyone who organised events, took part, or made a donation. Your support made the week such a success and helped raise an incredible amount for these important causes.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []"><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&amp;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>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">&nbsp;</p>