Parent Newsletter - October 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We have completed the first half term, and what an inspiring start it has been.
We’d like to share some highlights with you, showcasing what has already taken place, as well as some exciting opportunities still to come.
Welcome Days
At the start of term, each CEH area hosted three days of activities designed to help first-year students feel at home, form new friendships, and get to know their learning environment and study tools.
Our College Executive Team also delivered Welcome Talks across all our campuses. These sessions gave students the chance to meet senior leaders, hear about the expectations for the year ahead, and learn about key college policies and procedures.
Faculties across all campuses organised activities that blended fun with learning. For instance, Animal Management students visited Puxton Park, where they toured facilities, met animals, enjoyed a game of crazy golf, tried water rafting, and even hopped on a tractor ride.
These Welcome Days are about much more than orientation, they help ease the transition into college life, boost confidence, and build strong peer connections. At Weston College, we know that starting college can feel daunting, and we are committed to making the experience welcoming, engaging, and memorable for every learner.
Personal Development at Weston
This term, learners have been introduced to our STEPS personal development curriculum, which focuses on:
- Building Future Skills
- Exploring and debating Topical Points
- Getting involved in college Engagement activities
- Experiencing Progression opportunities with industry links
- Strengthening Self-management
So far, students have been developing empathy, completing digital modules on emotional intelligence, and reflecting on the value of Respect; in college, in the community, and in their future industries.
They have also completed important safeguarding and Prevent training, ensuring they know how to keep themselves safe and how to raise a safeguarding concern if needed.
Before the October half term, learners will move on to explore healthy relationships and equality, developing a deeper understanding of these essential life themes.
Freshers Fayre
This year’s Freshers Fayre was focussed around adventure, and it was a great opportunity for first year students to discover more about the Students’ Union, as well as opportunities available to them as Weston College students.
During the event, we had a range of employers in attendance, from sport organisations such as Pure Gym, Bristol City Robins Foundation, and Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, to food businesses such as Nando’s and Miss Millies. We also had activity centres such as All Stars and Laser Quest promote their businesses and provide discount codes for the students. On top of this, there were a range of charities and local organisations such as Weston Hospicecare, Talk Club, SWEDA, NACOA and many more to promote the work they do in the community and encourage the students to help and volunteer where possible.
The Turing Scheme: Opening Global Opportunities
We are delighted to share that Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have been awarded £216,305.08 through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, creating transformative international experiences for learners this year.
This funding will support placements in Canada, the USA, Indonesia, and Thailand, offering students the chance to immerse themselves in new cultures, gain invaluable industry experience, and develop global citizenship skills.
Highlights include:
- Hudson’s Hope/Vancouver, Canada – Inclusive Practice learners will volunteer and gain work experience in a supportive community.
- New York, USA – Creative and Health Industries learners will benefit from workshops, networking, and hands-on industry engagement.
- Bali, Indonesia – Students will join sustainability and global citizenship projects. Cost to learners: just £150.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – A second sustainability and citizenship placement. Cost to learners: just £150.
- New York, USA (UCW) – Performing Arts students will continue developing professional links with the world-renowned Broadway Dance Centre.
Sporting Success
Our Weston College Under-19 Football Academy is off to a fantastic start in the National Youth Alliance. The team is currently unbeaten in four games and sits proudly in second place in the league.
We are also thrilled to announce that two current academy learners have already made their debuts for Weston Football Club’s first team, who compete in the National League South, an outstanding achievement!
CareersFest
We’re delighted to announce the return of CareersFest, Weston College’s annual Careers Fair, taking place at the Winter Gardens on 18th November. This flagship event provides learners with the opportunity to connect with a wide range of organisations offering opportunities both during their studies and upon completion of their programmes.
In previous years, over 55 organisations from diverse industries have participated, including local and national universities, gap year providers, and support services.
In addition to meeting exhibitors, attendees can speak with support staff, access a variety of online resources, and take part in competitions.
The Careers and Employability Team will begin promoting the event after half term during tutorials. Learners will be able to book time slots to attend through their tutors. This event is exclusively for Weston College learners.
For further information about the event, or for guidance on supporting your young person with their next steps, please contact the Careers and Employability Team at cet@weston.ac.uk.
Celebrating 180 Years of Weston College
2025 marks Weston College’s 180th anniversary, a milestone that reflects nearly two centuries of empowering individuals, transforming lives, and serving our community through education.
To celebrate, we’re inviting current and former students, staff, and community members to share their stories, photos, and memories. Whether it’s a career milestone, a lifelong friendship, or a family tradition of studying here, we’d love to hear from you.
Stories can be submitted through a dedicated online form available on our website, and will help capture the incredible journey of Weston College through the years.
