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.
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.
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...
INFORMATION BOOKLET FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
Latest News
<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Recently, our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… style="font-size:inherit;">UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design Pre-Degree</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students took a trip to London, immersing themselves in the city’s rich artistic history. The visit was designed to broaden their understanding of art and design, offering them a chance to experience first-hand the diversity and creativity displayed in some of London’s museums and galleries. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The trip consisted of students from both the </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra…; target="_blank">UAL Foundation Diploma</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and the </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Year 1 and Year 2 Extended Diploma</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> programs. During their overnight stay, the learners explored museums and galleries such as the Design Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Tate Britain, which displayed a variety of art forms and mediums, allowing the students to appreciate the subjective nature of art and its many interpretations. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""The back of lecturers, Ronnie and Kelly's heads looking at artwork"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="870fdadd-f1ea-434f-a5c1-68c1a9ecc868" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The students also visited Southbank and Westminster to make the most out of their trip and experience the busy city atmosphere and unmissable sights and landmarks. This trip also gave our learners the chance to bond further outside the classroom and provided them with invaluable life skills like navigating through cities, both on foot and using public transport like the tube. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Lecturers Ronnie and Kelly smiling in front of Southbank yellow building"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="373bfab4-c84a-4acc-9eb7-2a88b0282b93" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Rachel Clayton, one of our Art, Graphics, and Fashion lecturers, highlighted the significance of the trip, saying “We run this trip to nourish the cultural elements of the course and to provide inspiration from artists and designers that will inform their creative output.” </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The trip was organised by tutors Rachel Clayton, Kelly Metcalfe, and Ronnie Houselander-Cook, who accompanied the students and ensured a memorable and enriching experience. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">By engaging with art in such a prestigious and dynamic environment, the learners deepened their artistic knowledge and built connections between their work and the art on display which will enhance their creativity and collaboration throughout their studies. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying to one of our Arts, Design, Graphics and Fashion courses, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas, a former Weston College student, is excelling in the engineering and manufacturing industry. Now working at the National Composites Centre (NCC), Thomas reflects on his journey, from his time at Weston College to being shortlisted for the prestigious Make UK Awards. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas began his academic journey at Weston College in 2021, pursuing a </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/engineering-a…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/engineering-a…; target="_blank">Level 3 Diploma in Composites Engineering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and gaining a solid foundation in the field of advanced materials. Once completed in 2024, Thomas advanced to a Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) apprenticeship with the NCC. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">At the NCC, Thomas has engaged in a variety of projects, shadowing advanced technicians and gaining hands-on experience. Beyond the technical aspects, he has worked with organisations like BBC Bitesize and the Gatsby Charity to promote engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas’ hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. The National Composites Centre nominated him for the Make UK Awards in the Manufacturing and Engineering category for final-year apprentices. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">To qualify, Thomas compiled a portfolio highlighting his achievements. This was followed by an interview to delve deeper into his apprenticeship experience. Reflecting on the moment he was shortlisted, Thomas said: </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“When I found out I had been shortlisted, I was shocked but very proud. It was validating to see all my hard work and dedication acknowledged. I was also excited to represent my company at the award ceremony.” </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Looking ahead, Thomas plans to continue developing his skills and qualifications. He is currently pursuing a Level 4 apprenticeship and hopes to further enhance his practical expertise in the workshop. His focus is on seizing opportunities for training and expanding his ability to operate advanced equipment and machinery. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Grateful for the support he received from both Weston College and the NCC, Thomas encourages others to consider apprenticeships: </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“I’m thankful and feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by such supportive people. Apprenticeships create a great environment for learning new skills and exploring different career paths.” </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas’ story is a testament to the power of dedication, education, and the opportunities provided by apprenticeships. As he continues to make strides in his career, he serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and technicians. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We’d like to congratulate Thomas for his hard work, and we wish you all the best in the future. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying for an Engineering Apprenticeship, click here.</a></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Level 3 Year 2 Protective Service students had the unique opportunity to take part in a Mountain Bike Day at the end of November, set against the stunning backdrop of the Quantock Hills. </p><p>The day was a fantastic combination of exercise, outdoor exploration, and team-building activities, all of which are proven to have significant benefits for mental health. The picturesque hills offered the perfect setting for the students to enjoy nature while engaging in physical activity that encouraged both personal development and teamwork. </p><p>David Usher, Protective Service lecturer at Weston College, commented on the event: “This is a normal day for our students, doing something special whilst conducting a 3 A-level equivalent qualification. It's not just about the academics, but also about building teamwork, resilience, and well-being through practical experiences." </p><drupal-entity alt=""protective services students at Quantock Hills with mountain bikes"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90320c30-06a3-405e-85cb-1773f2465bd7" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p>The Mountain Bike Day served as a reminder of how important maintaining mental health through physical activity and outdoor experience is. The students had an unforgettable day exploring the hills, developing skills that will aid them in their future careers in the protective services sector. </p><p>This partnership forms part of the Protective Services Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. </p><p>To find out about what courses we have to offer for Protective Services, please <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… here.</u></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 here. 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>
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
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:
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.
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.
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!
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).
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.
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,
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.
