Welcome to Weston College! So you've applied for a course... now what?

This page is where you can find information about the approach to the new academic year, as well as helpful tips about making the most of being a Weston College learner.

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The Students' Union (SU) helps to drive improvements across the college, putting students first when important decisions are made and representing the student body.

This elected team of students work together to create a diverse and inclusive community, encouraging engagement in trips, events, clubs & societies.

The SU works closely with Wellbeing to ensure that the correct support is available to students in order to cover matters such as Health & Wellbeing, Housing, Finance, Libraries & Learning.

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Aleksandar Spasov

SU President, Loxton Campus

Hi, I am Aleks Spasov. As someone who was not born in the UK and having moved here, I understand the importance of having a voice. As well as this to be honest I have struggled with mental health in the past and that is why I believe it is important to have a voice to be able to express opinions for the betterment of everyone...

important information for new students and parents booklet

INFORMATION BOOKLET FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

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Latest News

26 Mar 2025

Student working on the fantasy hairdressing competition

Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the regional heats of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Competition. As one of several heats held across the UK, the event welcomed Further and Higher Education students, adult learners, and apprentices from <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hairdressing</a> and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Makeup & Prosthetics</a> courses across Weston, Bristol, and Bath to compete for a spot in the national finals. The all-day event featured a wide range of competitions spread throughout the college, challenging students in both technical skill and creativity. From haircuts and styling to makeup and prosthetics, each category pushed learners to demonstrate their expertise while showcasing their artistic flair. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hairdressing</a> competitions were exclusive to Further Education students and varied in difficulty. Tasks ranged from commercial and feminine blow-dries, and cut and finish challenges, to more complex categories like freestyle work on textured hair and fantasy hairdressing. Each competition gave learners the opportunity to work independently, competing against their peers from across the South West under time pressure in a professional setting. <drupal-entity alt=""Students giving the model a skin fade"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b857d37-dab1-4404-9b9d-76b8a0475df9" 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> <drupal-entity alt=""Student giving the hair mannequin a blow out"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8373e7c3-a07f-4c09-b6c5-5ad8c1cc4491" 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> Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Makeup & Prosthetics</a> categories welcomed both FE and HE students, offering unique themes and complete creative freedom. Competitions included body painting, face painting, Editorial Vogue-inspired makeup, and Moulin Rouge designs. The diverse range of tasks allowed students to experiment with different techniques and media, creating original and innovative designs beyond the typical curriculum. <drupal-entity alt=""Student completing Moulin Rouge makeup on a model"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dd3f3f4-b578-486c-806e-70f108e98c3f" 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> <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">Hospitality and Catering</a> students also played an important role in the event, providing a delicious buffet that was praised by visiting colleges and guests. After a day of impressive displays of talent and creativity, the results were counted, and a small awards ceremony was held. Out of 90 students competing from across the South West, 13 Weston College learners secured their place in the finals, which will be held in Blackpool this May. Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, highlighted the importance of competitions like this for students’ personal and professional development. She shared, “The AHT Competition helps to support our learners' careers, allowing them to meet like-minded people aspiring for the same career. It provides them with hands-on experience that enhances their skills and prepares them for the future.” A huge thank you goes to VTCT for sponsoring and judging the competition, Stylebook Directory for their support, and all the AHT judges and industry specialists who dedicated their time and expertise to the day. Congratulations to every student who took part in the competition, and best of luck to those heading to the finals. If you are interested in applying to one of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Makeup & Prosthetics</a> or <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hairdressing & Barbering</a> courses, click here.

Weston College Hosts Regional AHT Competition

25 Mar 2025

Last month, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a> students took part in Health and Social Care Future Skills Week, a week-long project focused on developing important skills for their future careers. Each day gave students the chance to learn something new, work with professionals, and explore different areas of the health and social care sector. The week started with a wellbeing day, where students worked with the Student Engagement Team, taking part in activities designed to help them look after their own wellbeing, including art therapy, a gym induction, and an afternoon of sports. This gave students time to focus on their own health and welfare and learn ways to stay healthy in the future. On Tuesday, students met with guest speakers from different areas of Health and Social Care. Nick Mallett from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston shared his experience in nursing, as well as Jenny Gamlin, a community midwife and health visitor, Michelle Clarke, a respiratory specialist, and Clare Waggett, an occupational therapist, also discussed their roles and what they entail. These sessions provided our learners with a better understanding of the various career options available in the sector. Wednesday was all about learning key workplace skills. Students took part in training for manual handling, first aid, and learned about National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and Sepsis 6. These are essential skills that are required for students who wish to begin working in the health and social care sector. <drupal-entity alt=""Lecturer showing students how to use a hoist"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8edd5fc3-613c-4f1e-946a-668ea70a5f81" 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> On Thursday, students took part in the ‘100 New Ideas’ project where they worked in teams with students from different levels to come up with creative ideas to support older people’s health and wellbeing. Their ideas were part of a campaign by the St Monica Trust, and the best ones were chosen by a panel of judges. The winning teams received prizes, and their ideas were shared with St Monica Trust. The winning idea from our students was to facilitate a bus service between their care villages in Bristol and North Somerset. This would allow residents to participate in events across the organisation, visit people they may know and meet new people. Students also came up with ideas to support dental care, a dating service to build friendships and relationships, and creating more spaces for a variety of worship.Health and Social Care Future Skills Week provided our students with opportunities to experience different career pathways with industry professionals. It was an excellent way to network and build connections, but also prepare them for a variety of sectors with invaluable information from hands-on workshops and informative guest lectures. Thank you to the industry professionals who took the time to visit our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a> students and share your first-hand experience. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">If you are interested in applying to one of our Health and Social Care courses, click here.</a>

Health and Social Care Future Skills Week

20 Mar 2025

Guthrie Kennard performing on stage to the Music students

Last month, Guthrie Kennard, an American singer-songwriter from Texas, visited our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music Performance and Production</a> learners, offering invaluable insight into the world of songwriting and performance. With over 60 years of experience in Old Blues and Southern country music, Guthrie brought not only his talent but also his wisdom, sharing stories from a lifetime dedicated to music. Guthrie has played bass for six decades and performed alongside legendary musicians like Larry Graham, Buddy Miles, Rocky Hill, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. From playing gigs in small intimate settings to massive crowds of 50,000 people during the peak of the blues movement, Guthrie had many amazing stories to share with our learners about his journey. His passion for music has never faltered, “I have more stories than I do money,” he admitted, and even at 74, he continues to play because it brings him joy and fulfilment. During his visit, Guthrie shared insights into the songwriting process. He emphasised the importance of originality in lyrics, advising students to avoid repetition and make every line unique. His songwriting process is also largely organic—he starts with chords and a melody, often relying on drum patterns to guide the rhythm.  While he doesn’t always plan albums in advance, he claims that he has a clear sense of the sound he wants to achieve. “I usually have a feeling of what an album will sound like, and I will write a song and decide that I need to keep it in that genre,” he explained. Guthrie finds inspiration for his songs originates from the world around him. “I listen to stories, so if I hear a line that inspires me, I will use it as a lyric,” he shared. However, he also admitted to struggling with writer’s block, encouraging the students to keep writing, whether it’s serious songs or silly and fun, every bit of creativity is progress. The students were captivated when Guthrie performed in our Michael Eavis music Suite at Loxton Campus. Many of our learners aspire for a lifetime career in music in the future, giving them a lot of encouragement and insight into their chosen industry.  Guthrie acknowledges that his age has slowed him down a bit and discussed the challenges he has faced over time, but his love for music has always outweighed the negatives and he doesn’t want to stop playing. “I love doing it, and it keeps me going. It’s something I’ve done since I was a kid. Even though it’s been hard, it’s also kept me alive.” During his visit, Guthrie praised Weston College’s facilities and the warmth of the students and staff, admitting that he was actually a bit nervous to be there. Guthrie’s insights and experiences provided the students with an honest, unfiltered look at the realities of being a musician. From handling criticism to navigating the financial struggles of the industry, he offered an abundance of knowledge that will undoubtedly help shape the future generation of artists.  We’d like to say a huge thank you to Guthrie Kennard for taking the time to visit us all the way from Texas and share his amazing journey and wisdom with our students. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying to one of our Music and Production courses, click here.</a>

Live Performance and Q&A from Guthrie Kennard, a Musician from Texas

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As a student at Weston College, you will have the opportunity to combine your academic studies with high-level sporting provision, which will allow you to fully immerse yourself as a student-athlete.

We offer high quality provision in four main sports, these sports provide our learners with coaching and games programmes in the following sports:

Netball
Football
Rugby
Cricket

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Career Excellence Hubs at Weston College

Each faculty at Weston College has their own Career Excellence Hub (CEH), meaning that you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of giving you the opportunity to become career ready!

We have so many employer partnerships that you can work with to excel in your career, build your skills, and get your name into the industry.

Each faculty works closely with a number of key employers, some of those that we work with, include:

Employer Partnerships

We have so many employer partnerships that you can work with to excel in your career, build your skills, and get your name into the industry.

Placement Opportunities

We don’t just have amazing placement opportunities, but we also have so many other great trips and guest lectures that take place throughout your course.

Guest Lectures & Masterclasses

Whether this is an employer coming in to discuss potential career paths, a masterclass with a professional from the industry, or an unforgettable trip with your classmates, Weston College has so much to offer you!

Career Support

We also have a team of people on hand to support you throughout your CEH journey, from Career’s Advisors, to work placement support (with both finding the placement and throughout the placement).

students standing with one student sitting on a chair in front of them

2 students taking pictures ringside of a boxing match

a group of students standingon a beach with helmets and life jackets on

some studnts sitting infront of other students on bikes

a students lies in a a hospital bed getting his blood pressure checked by other students

Students sitting in the BBC Wales Today news studio

Students standing infront a a big BBC Cymru Wales sign at BBC Cymru Wales studios.

The Welfare Team are here for you, and provide supportive, confidential advice and guidance about anything that maybe causing you concern.

Click the buttons below to find out more about our services and how to get in touch.

OUR SERVICES

We can help with issues such as:
Emotional health eg: anxiety, stress, low thoughts,
Relationships,
Course concerns and attendance,
Sexual health,
Substance misuse,
Financial worries,
Homelessness,

SUPPORT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

In addition to welfare support, The Student Assistance Programme, provided by Health assured, is a free, confidential, support service for all our learners.

Telephone helplines are available 24/7, 365 along with an online portal and My Healthy Advantage app.

Counselling will also be available, please speak to welfare to find out more.

MEET THE TEAM