<p>Weston College Group has officially opened The Horizon, a new specialist centre at Knightstone Campus designed to help young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adult life.</p><p>Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, officially opened the centre on Friday, meeting learners, staff and partners, seeing the new facilities first-hand.</p><p>The Horizon marks the completion of a significant investment in the former Arosfa Hotel site, transforming it into a dedicated specialist centre for learners with SEND. Designed around the needs of learners, it will help young people develop independence, confidence and practical life skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging and community.</p><p>The new facility brings together specialist teaching spaces, independent living accommodation and employability training. It also doubles Weston College's residential capacity previously provided through its Weston Bay facility, giving more learners opportunities to practise everyday skills in an environment tailored to their individual needs.</p><p>Since opening in 2013, Weston Bay has supported hundreds of young people with autism to develop life, social and independence skills. As demand for specialist SEND provision has grown, Weston College invested in The Horizon to build on that success and support more learners closer to home.</p><p>The name The Horizon was chosen by learners themselves, reflecting the opportunities the new centre is designed to open up as they prepare for life beyond college.</p><p>Ben Knocks, Deputy Principal, Weston College Group, said:</p><p>"Opening The Horizon is a really important moment for the College and, most importantly, for our learners. We wanted to create somewhere that feels like a genuine step towards adult life, where young people can build confidence, develop practical skills and grow their independence."</p><p>"We have taken the best elements of Weston Bay and brought them into a purpose-designed environment built around the needs of learners. Seeing learners and staff experiencing the new facilities for the first time has been incredibly rewarding."</p><p>"The need for specialist SEND provision continues to grow, and facilities like The Horizon help ensure more young people can access the support, space and opportunities they need to thrive. We're delighted to welcome Dan Aldridge MP to officially open the centre and celebrate the partnership working that has helped make it possible. We'd also like to recognise the support of North Somerset Council and our wider partners, who continue to play a vital role in strengthening SEND provision and outcomes across the region."</p><p>Dan Aldridge MP said:</p><p>“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, and the College has a such an important role to play in making that happen. We need Government and local providers like the College working together to make sure every young person has the right support, skills and opportunities to thrive. This is just the beginning of the work the college are doing for SEND young people, and I’ll continue to support and lobby for every young person in Weston, making sure their needs are heard and they have the opportunities they deserve.”</p><p>The Horizon includes specialist teaching spaces, training kitchens, social learning areas and residential accommodation, helping learners develop practical skills for everyday life while accessing the wider opportunities available across Knightstone Campus.</p><p>Among those returning to celebrate the opening was former learner Tilly Bean, whose journey highlights the life-changing impact specialist support can have.</p><p>Tilly joined Weston College in 2022 after spending five years out of education. Having left mainstream education without GCSE qualifications, she lacked confidence and was uncertain about returning to learning.</p><p>With specialist support from the College, Tilly rebuilt her confidence and independence while developing vital life and social skills. She went on to achieve GCSE Mathematics and Functional Skills English before progressing to the College's Access to Higher Education Diploma in Biomedical Science.</p><p>This year, she achieved the highest possible grades on the programme, securing 164 UCAS points and a place to study Paramedic Science at the University of Gloucestershire from January 2027. Alongside her studies, she now works within a SEND education setting.</p><p>Tilly Bean said:</p><p>"When I first came to the College, I had been out of education for five years and was terrified of returning. The support I received helped me rebuild my confidence and become more independent. Most importantly, it helped me believe in myself again."</p><p>"I'm now preparing to start university, and I've achieved things I never thought were possible. That's why places like The Horizon matter. Young people need time, support and people who understand what they're going through. My experience shows how much can change when you get that support, and I hope The Horizon gives many more learners the same chance."</p><p>Weston College Group is inviting parents, carers, education professionals and partner organisations with an interest in SEND provision to register their interest in visiting The Horizon. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the specialist support and facilities available to learners.</p><p><a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=FgfhBifCK0qqQ-… register your interest, click here and a member of the team will be in touch.</a></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Weston College Group is proud to announce that it has been awarded Gold reaccreditation for the nationally recognised Further Education Mental Health Award, achieving an “Excelling” judgement across every area assessed.&nbsp;</p><p>The prestigious award recognises the College’s outstanding commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of both students and staff, embedding wellbeing into every aspect of college life.&nbsp;</p><p>With more than 6,200 learners from a wide range of backgrounds, Weston College has developed a strong and inclusive support system designed to ensure every student feels safe, supported and able to succeed. The College was praised during the independent assessment for its whole-college approach, which includes:&nbsp;</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e5d4f8ebf54be0163c2784ac449644dc8">A trauma-informed approach to teaching and support, helping students feel understood and valued&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ec2a30650009ebb24565df1d19d58893d">Dedicated mental health and wellbeing services, including counselling, mentoring and pastoral care&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ef5c10149f5c6c8229d10cb7f310323e9">A structured system to identify and support students early, ensuring help is available at the right time&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ece645fe3d2ac5abfc0bd4767ef5c9d84">Innovative approaches such as the Equity in Education model, helping target support for those who need it most&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Students also benefit from a curriculum that actively promotes wellbeing, resilience and personal development, alongside regular awareness events and activities that encourage open conversations about mental health.&nbsp;</p><p>The College works closely with schools, parents, carers and external organisations to provide a joined-up approach to support. Families are kept informed and involved, with access to guidance and support to help them understand and support their young person’s wellbeing.&nbsp;</p><p>A key strength highlighted during the assessment was Weston College’s leadership within the education sector, working collaboratively with regional and national partners to share best practice and improve mental health support across further education.&nbsp;</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and CEO for the Weston College Group said:&nbsp;</p><p>“<em>We are incredibly proud to have achieved Gold reaccreditation with an ‘Excelling’ judgement across all areas assessed.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>“This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure every student feels supported, valued and able to thrive. Mental health and wellbeing are central to our culture at Weston College, and we remain committed to creating an environment where both students and staff can flourish.”&nbsp;</em></p><p>The Further Education Mental Health Award recognises organisations that demonstrate a sustained and embedded commitment to mental health and wellbeing across their communities.&nbsp;</p><p>The award was established by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, part of Leeds Beckett University, and social enterprise Minds Ahead. It aims to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across education settings by supporting organisations to create positive, inclusive and supportive learning environments.&nbsp;</p><p>The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK's education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances.&nbsp;</p><p>Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><em>“The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the college's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential. This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of”</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>Nationally, more than 1400 educational institutions have signed up to take part in the mental health award.&nbsp;</p><p>Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead said: “This award shines a light on the excellent work schools and colleges are doing to promote mental health for their community of children, young people and adults.&nbsp;</p><p><em>“It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Weston College and the many other educational institutions engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”</em></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston College today announced a £3 million project to expand Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in Weston-super-Mare through the redevelopment of its Arosfa site, with the total figure reflecting both the value of the existing property and the planned refurbishment and development works. The investment will significantly expand independent living and residential training provision for learners from September 2026.</p><p>The College’s current independent living provision at Weston Bay (on the seafront in Weston-super-Mare) will relocate to its Law and Professional Services Academy at Knightstone Campus, transforming the former Arosfa Hotel into a dedicated, needs-led environment designed specifically to support learners with SEND, including those with autism.</p><p>The move will see the SEND provision take full occupancy of the building, with existing curriculum areas relocated across the College’s wider campus network, including the new Aerospace and Skills Academy in Filton.</p><p>The new facility, which will be named by learners in the coming weeks, will provide a highly supportive yet aspirational setting, helping learners develop independence, confidence and the essential skills needed for adult life, closer to home and within their local community.</p><p>Originally opened in 2013, Weston Bay was one of the first provisions of its kind nationally and has since supported hundreds of young people and adults with autism to develop vital life, social and employability skills. With demand for specialist SEND provision continuing to grow locally and nationally, this major investment ensures Weston College can expand capacity while further enhancing the quality of support it offers.</p><p>The redevelopment will expand on the building’s existing strengths to deliver a modern, purpose-built SEND training hub, designed to support personalised learning and real-world skill development.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>The new facility will include:</strong></h3><p><strong>Residential and independent living</strong></p><ul><li data-list-item-id="eede9e1b19e477380231d8dafed08cf5d">Two floors dedicated to independent living and life skills development</li><li data-list-item-id="e01e98d321ace0e853f7d908c93c2a0be">18 residential spaces to provide short stays, within the week to develop life skills, representing a 100% increase on current provision at Weston Bay</li><li data-list-item-id="eb49726b35057ba0c39becb76406b7c02">Purpose-built training flat for small-group, real-world learning experiences</li><li data-list-item-id="ebace66a4426e9152d68404c8f8d372cf">A fully accessible residential room with a wet room.</li></ul><p><strong>Learning and employability</strong></p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ef0bae2f80d209495d8b5b2b6e2fcd946">One dedicated curriculum floor, home to the College’s Supported Employment Excellence Hub</li><li data-list-item-id="eb0b7d99d1be0a0705493290cc44dd804">Eight specialist classrooms focused on life skills, employability and progression</li><li data-list-item-id="eda4b396463543ebbae18c9ab8870fc09">Two fully equipped training kitchens to support practical, everyday skill development.</li></ul><p><strong>Support and integration</strong></p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e809e061416da20b20212505e5d79b195">Flexible social and multi-use learning spaces to encourage collaboration and independence</li><li data-list-item-id="e2f3d077f826d620cf2a67ba9176a4434">Dedicated intervention and support rooms to enhance personalised learning</li><li data-list-item-id="ebd4ea55bff4759af6aa5993076223df7">Improved access to wider Knightstone Campus facilities, helping learners’ transition confidently onto main college campuses as they progress across courses.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This investment marks a significant step forward in strengthening inclusive education across Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset, ensuring learners with SEND are better prepared for meaningful, independent adult lives.</p><p>The announcement comes amid growing demand from learners, families, education providers and local authorities for high-quality SEND provision that focuses on life beyond education. The development also ensures Weston College is well positioned to respond to national policy developments, including the Schools White Paper and the updated Ofsted inspection framework.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “<em>This investment is about far more than buildings; it’s about independence, confidence and opportunity. It allows us to significantly expand our capacity while providing a truly purpose-built environment tailored to the needs of learners with SEND.</em></p><p><em>“From September 2026, learners will benefit from a nurturing, modern setting where they can develop essential life skills, engage in meaningful learning and take confident steps towards independence. This will be genuinely life-changing and reflects our commitment to creating brighter futures.</em>”</p><p>Mandy Bishop, Chief Executive Officer of North Somerset Council, said: <em>“In North Somerset we really believe that every young person should be able to access education in the way that supports and encourages them. The investment in the new facility at Weston College is a great example of that. Having a facility like this in our local area means that our young people with special educational needs and disabilities have the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in a supportive environment whilst being able to learn, live and thrive independently and importantly, within our community.”&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>“It’s through working together with individuals, families, education providers such as Weston College and many others in the sector, that we will achieve the positive outcomes our community and those within it deserve.”</em></p>