<p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">On the evening of April 3rd, students from a range of fashion and creative courses at <strong>Weston College</strong> came together to showcase their talent at </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>Elevate</strong></span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, a spectacular fashion show held in the Regency Suite on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Grand Pier</strong>. &nbsp;This event gave learners the chance to present their work on a professional catwalk in front of friends, family, and the public. Also, the £321 raised from ticket sales will be donated to <strong>Weston Hospicecare.</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The show featured collections and designs from </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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>A Level Fashion and Textiles</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students, </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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma Fashion, Business and Retail</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students, and </span><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students. Hair and makeup were also provided by learners from the </span><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>HE Hair, Makeup, Prosthetics and Production</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> course. We also had a range of volunteer models from across different subject areas, showcasing the amazing collaboration of the entire college. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;male fashion course student in weston-super-mare walking runway&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="172898e6-4f9a-41c6-9c17-18a3b5ab8038" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Each collection was the result of months of creativity, research, and technical skill, developing initial ideas, conducting visual and factual research, experimenting with illustrations and media, and refining their concepts before constructing their final garments in chosen fabrics. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma in Fashion, Business and Retail</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong> </strong>students explored themes such as </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Contrast</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Refabrication</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, and </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Nostalgia</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, allowing for various interpretations and unique outcomes. Some examples include explorations of the architectural contrast within the <strong>National Trust’s Tyntesfield House</strong>, designs focused on the healing potential of flora, and investigations into the psychology of nostalgia through brain scans and synaptic imagery. Others took a more cultural approach, drawing on rock music from the 1970s to early 2000s. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;fashion course student in weston-super-mare walking runway&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb0ca73d-ce54-4892-a9ba-26adcf387f75" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>A Level Fashion and Textiles</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students brought an equally diverse range of ideas to life, exploring cultural heritage, mental health, and ethical issues in fashion. From intricate Sashiko-inspired patterns to visual critiques of the denim industry’s environmental impact, these students demonstrated powerful, individual visions that reflected deep personal engagement with their themes. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;The creativity didn’t stop at the garments. Students from the </span><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma in Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> created stunning looks that carried strong environmental messages. Their work responded to themes such as climate change, the ozone layer, California wildfires, and human impact on the planet—resulting in dramatic, thoughtful, and visually compelling headpieces and makeup designs. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;One of the models smiling and twisting her blue skirt&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e1cc0ca-383f-4c80-bee6-e70734ea3176" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of <strong>Weston College</strong>, expressed her gratitude to both the students and the community for making this event possible, adding, “The Elevate Fashion Show was a true celebration—not just of the incredible creativity and talent of our fashion learners, but also of the community spirit that made it all possible.  &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“Thanks must go to Michelle Michael and the team at <strong>the Grand Pier</strong> for so generously providing the Regency Suite free of charge, giving our students the unique opportunity to showcase their work in a truly professional setting. Thanks to this support, every ticket sold will go directly to <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong>. We’re also grateful to <strong>St John’s Church</strong> for their kind loan of a lighting system that helped the show come to life. This event is a great example of what happens when education and community come together to lift up the next generation of creatives.” &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;One of our models wearing a leatherplaysuit&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6b48aa9-5371-49fa-a8e4-bebc875a1e95" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Elevate</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;"> is a great example of how Weston College’s Career Excellence Hubs give our students the career-preparing opportunities to gain first-hand experience in presenting a collection within a professional setting, developing their confidence, communication skills, and understanding of the production and logistics behind a runway event. The evening also offered invaluable exposure to peers, industry professionals, and potential employers which is essential for anyone pursuing a future in fashion or performance industries. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">For many of the student models, walking the runway was a transformative experience. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they rose to the challenge with bravery and confidence, contributing to the energy and spirit of the event and supporting their peers on a night that celebrated creativity, courage, and collaboration. </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Elevate</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;"> was an amazing reflection of the talent and dedication of our Weston College students, enhanced by community to bring this event to life for a great cause. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;One of our models smiling in a yellow and orange jumpsuit&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8fc4268a-a585-468c-89b8-a3fc1b6d2511" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Well done to all of our students who got involved in designing, creating, and modelling—this night wouldn't have been possible without your efforts! Also, a big thank you to our fantastic Photography students: Harrison, Ethan, Cerys, Annabel, Taylor, Cameron, Ellen, and Toby for capturing the night perfectly!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"><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></span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>. 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;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weston College have recently held an inter college competition for the South West Skills Challenge for Hair and Beauty – a competition which has been set up by colleges in the South West to support learners in their preparations for WorldSkills competitions.</p><p>At our Knightstone campus, we hosted Bath College, City of Bristol College, Yeovil College, New College Swindon, Gloucester College, and Bridgwater and Taunton College. The day consisted of various hair, foundation hair, beauty therapist and beauty practitioner competitions all judged by industry professionals, VTCT, AHT and WorldSkills judges.</p><p>The students that came in the top 3 of each competition were awarded prizes that were kindly donated by Dennis Williams, Ellisons, Capital, VTCT Skills, Wella.</p><p>Our Weston College learners came on top for the Foundation Hair and Beauty Practitioner awards, as well as coming second for the Beauty Therapist award! A big congratulations to the 30 talented competitors across all 7 colleges who pushed themselves outside their comfort zones, showcasing their amazing skills and creativity. The level of talent was truly inspiring!</p><p>We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Ellisons Hair and Beauty , VTCT Skills , Dennis Williams, and Wella UK for providing fantastic prizes, as well as a special shout-out to our fantastic panel of judges: David Bassett, Mark Rayment, Chloe Williams and Hayley Huxtable who helped make the competition run smoothly and provided valuable feedback for the competitors.</p><p>Below are the results of each of the competitions:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><u>Foundation Hair:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Weston College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈Bridgwater &amp; Taunton College&nbsp;</p><p>🥉Bridgwater &amp; Taunton College</p><p><strong><u>Hair:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Gloucestershire College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈Gloucestershire College&nbsp;</p><p>🥉New College Swindon</p><p><strong><u>Beauty Practitioner:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Weston College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈New College Swindon</p><p><strong><u>Beauty Therapist:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>🥇Yeovil College&nbsp;</p><p>🥈Weston College&nbsp;</p><p>🥉Yeovil College</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, said, <em><strong>“Weston College are super proud to have hosted the South West Skills – Hair and Beauty Competition, and we are delighted with the outcomes of our Weston College learners! They have all put considerable amounts of dedication into their work, which was evident during the competition.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>“Hosting events like these gives learners across colleges the opportunity to gain real industry experience which will help them immensely with their transition from college into employment, and it is important that we continue to give these opportunities to our learners throughout their time at college.”</strong></em></p><p>If you would like to find out more about our Beauty courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… here.</a></p><p>If you would like to find out more about our Hairdressing courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… here.</a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the regional heats of the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> <strong>Competition</strong>. As one of several heats held across the UK, the event welcomed Further and Higher Education students, adult learners, and apprentices from </span><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and </span><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup &amp; Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses across Weston, Bristol, and Bath to compete for a spot in the national finals.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">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.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> 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.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students giving the model a skin fade&quot;" 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="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student giving the hair mannequin a blow out&quot;" 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="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Meanwhile, the </span><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup &amp; Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> 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.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student completing Moulin Rouge makeup on a model&quot;" 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="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hospitality and Catering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students also played an important role in the event, providing a delicious buffet that was praised by visiting colleges and guests.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">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.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">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.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">A huge thank you goes to <strong>VTCT </strong>for sponsoring and judging the competition,<strong> Stylebook Directory</strong> for their support, and all the AHT judges and industry specialists who dedicated their time and expertise to the day.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Congratulations to every student who took part in the competition, and best of luck to those heading to the finals.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our </span><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup &amp; Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> or </span><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"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing &amp; Barbering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses, click here.&nbsp;</span></p>