COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
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QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers.
Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career.
A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
LATEST NEWS
Our ESOL learners at Weston College have already launched into an exciting new season of extracurricular activities - and we’re delighted to share an update on what they’ve been up to.
The ESOL learners began with a fantastic trip to the University of Bath, including a short visit into the city before heading home. A huge thank you to Liza and her team at the council for their generous financial and hands-on support, and to the Virtual Schools team for kindly providing the sandwiches.
The visit was a real highlight - upon arrival, our learners were welcomed by two outstanding university ambassadors who offered a full campus tour and took the time to answer every question. This visit tied perfectly into the learner’s ESOL project, A Dream College, which has included group presentations and will conclude next week with a lively debate: College Campus vs. University Campus.
The students found the experience deeply inspiring, with many expressing a genuine interest in studying at Bath in the future. They were particularly impressed by the Olympic-sized swimming pool, the expansive athletics track and gym, the modern study spaces, and the vibrant students’ union.
ESOL also marked the first of their four Parents/Corporate Parents Afternoons. Families, carers, and corporate parents had the opportunity to meet with learners and tutors to discuss progress, development, and targets. They also shared a presentation showcasing the activities and tailored approaches used to help every learner reach their full potential. Our ESOL learners were incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements, and it was wonderful to see families engaging so positively with their learning journey.
This November, Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) proudly announce their participation in the national campaign National Light Up, taking place during National Care Leavers Month (NCLM) from 1-30 November 2025. The College and UCW have illuminated their Winter Garden campus building in blue from the week commencing 24 November, joining organisations across the UK in a visual show of solidarity with care-experienced young people.
NCLM, led by The Alliance for Looked After Children & Care Leavers alongside care-experienced young people, adopts the theme “Rising Up As Me – Overcoming challenges, transforming and finding your identity.” As part of its campaign, the ‘National Light Up’ initiative invites organisations to illuminate their buildings in blue to recognise the voices and journeys of care-experienced individuals, and to demonstrate allyship and awareness.
Chloe Wilde, Weston College’s Director - Social Justice and Student Support said:
“We are proud to join the National Light Up campaign, shining a light, literally and figuratively, on the strength and voice of care-experienced young people. At Weston College and UCW we believe every learner deserves support, opportunity and a sense of belonging.”
“By standing together with the care leaver community, we reinforce our commitment to access, equity and transformation. The theme ‘Rising Up As Me’ reflects our belief in each individual’s ability to shape their future, no matter their starting point.”
About National Care Leavers Month and National Light Up National Care Leavers Month is an annual nationwide series of events, campaigns and activities coordinated by The Alliance for Looked After Children & Care Leavers in partnership with care-experienced young people. The 2025 theme is “Rising Up As Me – Overcoming challenges, transforming and finding your identity.”
The “National Light Up” week invites organisations to light their buildings in blue during the week commencing 24 November, creating a visible sign of support, recognition and solidarity for care-experienced individuals. Organisations are encouraged to share photographs and social media posts using the hashtags and assets provided.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
