Weston College is delighted to celebrate the achievements of the pilot cohort of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) staff who have successfully completed the Higher Development Award. This milestone highlights the dedication, growth, and professional development of the Trust’s administrative and clerical colleagues.

The Higher Development Award is designed to empower a vital staff group, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in their careers.

Feedback from the cohort has been overwhelmingly positive:

“The programme gave me the confidence to speak up in meetings and recognise that my voice matters – I’m not ‘just’ an administrator.”

“I now feel empowered to volunteer for new initiatives, like A3 Thinking, and contribute beyond my usual role.”

“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the difference between equality and equity – and why both matter in the workplace.”

“This experience helped me realise that I play a vital and relevant role in the NHS – I’m more than just an administrator.”

This inspiring programme was brought to life by a range of guest speakers from across UHBW who showcased the breadth of their professions.

Recognising and uplifting the voices of those who work behind the scenes is a core focus of the programme. Weston College and UHBW are proud to celebrate the achievements of this pilot cohort and are already looking forward to welcoming Cohort 2 soon.

Level 1 courses are a great way to build a foundation of knowledge around a subject, introducing you at a more flexible and slower pace whilst building your skills and preparing you to progress onto Level 2.   

There are many benefits to a Level 1 course. They create a foundation of knowledge for learners, building a solid base of information and skills which make them ideal for beginners. Not only this, they also build confidence in unfamiliar areas and act as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications. They are also more accessible and flexible to a wider range of students. 

Our Level 1 courses vary in entry requirements, with most courses requiring 5 GCSEs grade 3-1 with at least two grade 3 results. On some courses, it is also required to gain at least a grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. This makes our Level 1 courses accessible to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed and progress to the Level 2 courses.  

With this level of qualification, you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2, this includes technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates and NVQs at level 2, transitioning to T Level Programme, or intermediate apprenticeships.

At Weston College, we have many Level 1 courses available, including Animal Management, Art and Design, Computing, Construction, Early Years, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Music and Production, Protective Services, and Sport. 

If you are unsure of what course level is best for you, check out our Levels Explained page to gain a more in-depth understanding. 

If you are still unsure, email enquiries@weston.ac.uk or visit one of our campuses and speak to the team for help.

Today, learners from across Weston College studying Level 3 qualifications in A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and UALs  came together to celebrate their outstanding grades on Results Day 2025! Once again, students delivered fantastic performances across every subject area.  

Nationally, the overall pass rate for T Levels has risen to 91.4% this year — with Weston College surpassing that figure, achieving an impressive 93.82% of learners successfully completing their qualification. T Levels include 315 hours of industry placement, with this year’s students gaining hands-on experience at leading organisations such as NHS University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Bakers Dolphin, The Bristol Port Company, Airbus, and Lloyds Banking Group — offering invaluable real-world learning alongside industry professionals.

A Level students also excelled, securing a 94.8% pass rate, with an increase from last academic year of 2.86% and 15 of the 23 subjects on offer at the College securing 100% pass rates, which is a 66% increase on last year, reflecting the College’s continued commitment to academic excellence.  

BTEC students were equally successful, with hundreds achieving top marks in their qualifications in sectors such as  Animal Management, Business, Construction, Education, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Motor Vehicle, Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and Sport. The overall pass rates for BTEC was 95.4%, up 2.7% on last year’s results and with an impressive 9 different sector areas obtaining 100% pass rates. 

And finally, 98.4% of Creative and Performing Arts students passed their University Arts London (UAL) qualifications, with an increase of just over 2% in those achieving the highest grade and 13 out of the 15 different subject areas achieving a 100% pass rate. 

Among this year’s success stories are:  

Charlie Owens, a former Priory School student, who is celebrating outstanding A Level results — achieving A*s in Sociology and English and an A in History. He will now progress to the University of Bristol to study English and History. Charlie said: 

"I’m so pleased to have achieved these grades, and I’m excited to be heading to the University of Bristol. My sociology teacher, Laura O’Donnell, has been absolutely fabulous, and all the students here have been amazing — I’ve made some great friends. My advice to future students would be to enjoy the experience; it can be stressful at times, but you meet the best people, and I feel like it’s really changed me for the better." 

Lewis Edwards, a former Worle School student has completed the Level 3 Healthcare T Level at Weston College with a Merit overall and a B in the core component. He will now be starting a Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship with University Centre Weston (UCW) and, in the meantime, will be working with the ambulance service. Lewis said: 

"I’ve worked really hard on my course, so I’m proud to have achieved my qualification. I’m excited to start my Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship with UCW, and until then, I’ll be gaining hands-on experience with the ambulance service.” 

Former Clevedon School student Josh Beck-Feely is celebrating success after achieving a Distinction, Distinction, Merit (D,D,M) in the Uniformed Protective Services Extended Diploma. He is now set to continue his journey towards joining the Royal Marines. 

"I’m really happy with my results — I achieved exactly what I needed to take the next step towards my dream career with the Royal Marines. I want to thank my lecturers, Nicola Stent and Dave Beresford, who have truly inspired me throughout my course and have been absolutely brilliant!" 

Travel and Tourism student Gloria Nicoli is celebrating after achieving the results she needed to secure her place at Bournemouth University, where she will study Events Management.  

"I’m so happy with my results — they’ve earned me my place at university! My course also helped me secure a job at Bristol Airport, which has given me amazing real-world experience. I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the incredible support of my teachers." 

UAL students — and siblings — Archie and Lydia Walters have both achieved Distinction grades in the Art & Design Foundation Diploma and are now heading to Bath Spa University to study Fine Art. Reflecting on their shared journey, Lydia said: 

"We studied part-time, so it’s been a longer road — but a really enjoyable one! We’ve tackled it as a team (with just a hint of sibling rivalry). We’re both thrilled to be starting our degrees together at Bath Spa. The staff have been incredibly supportive throughout, especially Michael Sims and Annette Milburn, whose encouragement has meant so much to us." 

Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones, said:  

“We are immensely proud of this year’s results. These achievements reflect not only the hard work and determination of our students, but also the integrity, compassion and ambition that define Weston College. As a people-centred organisation, we strive to create an environment where every student can thrive; supported by dedicated staff and inspired by the incredible opportunities provided by our employer partners. Together, we are preparing students not just for exams, but for successful futures in life and work. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025—you have made us proud, and we look forward to seeing the remarkable things you will inevitably go on to achieve.”  

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.