COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
Your Future Starts Here
With hundreds of exciting courses, this is where your journey begins. From day one, you'll be supported, inspired, and on track to a rewarding career.
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Whether you're finishing school, changing direction, or learning English with our ESOL courses – we’ve got you covered.
Get started today – pick a subject and apply online in just 5 minutes!
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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
Next Wednesday (25/09/2024) is our annual ‘What Next?’ event, which will be held at the Winter Gardens.
What Next, designed for students in Year 10 and above from the local area, highlights our commitment to collaborating with employers to present a wide range of career opportunities to school leavers in our region. Partnering with these key regional employers offers an excellent chance to demonstrate the strong relationships we've established through the Careers Excellence Hub pathways at Weston College.
We have 40 employers attending ‘What Next?’ including Airbus, Bristol Airport, EDF Energy, Thatchers, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, North Somerset Council, Mercedes Benz and Lloyds Banking Group, just to name a few!
The event is free to attend and gives school students an opportunity to find out about potential career options by:
- Speaking to local and national employers about career opportunities
- Finding out more about what life is like at Weston College from our students
- Attending an employer talk
- Speaking to college staff to understand what course(s) can get you onto a chosen career path
Key Information:
- Date: Wednesday, 25th September
- Arrival: 3:30 PM Event Close: 7:30 PM
- Venue: Winter Gardens, Royal Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1AJ
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.
Weston College’s Year 1 Protective Services students enjoyed an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the stunning Wimbleball Lake, where they took part in an action-packed program designed to challenge both their physical and mental abilities.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the lake, students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that pushed them to test their skills and build camaraderie with their peers. The day included thrilling canoeing sessions, high ropes challenges, and hands-on navigation training. These activities, specifically designed to enhance their team building, problem-solving, and resilience skills, are crucial for their development in protective services training.
After a day of adventure and learning, the group gathered for a much-needed barbecue to refuel, relax, and celebrate their achievements.
"We’re incredibly proud of our Year 1 students for embracing the challenges and showing great determination throughout the day," said David, Head of Public Services. "This experience is not only about building essential skills for their future careers in protective services but also about creating unforgettable memories and strong bonds within the group."
Interested in protective services? Find out more information and apply for our courses here.
Meet Ryan, a young and ambitious footballer who’s already making waves.
At just 16, he scored his first goal for Weston-super-Mare AFC, in their recent pre-season friendly against Tiverton Town.
Ryan's journey is a testament to his passion for football and his commitment to growing as both an athlete and a student.
Ryan’s Football Journey
Ryan's love for football started early—he's been playing "since I could walk," he says. His talent and drive saw him train twice a week and play up to two matches regularly. Before joining the Seagulls, Ryan played for the Bristol Rovers Academy, where he was offered an early scholarship. However, he made a bold decision to turn it down and join us at Weston College, saying, "I had a lot of Premier League interest but I left to develop in a men’s environment and study sports coaching."
Making His Mark
Ryan’s first goal in pre-season for the Seagulls was a moment of pride: "It felt really good to get off the mark for Weston." His early success is just a glimpse of what’s to come as he continues to develop his skills with the team.
Balancing Football and Education
While pursuing his football career, Ryan is also preparing for his future off the field. He's enrolled in a Sports Coaching course, which perfectly complements his athletic ambitions. "Studying sports coaching will keep me around football and within the sport," he says.
World-Class Sports Facilities at Weston College
Weston College offers exceptional sports facilities, giving students like Ryan the resources they need to excel in their studies and training. Ryan speaks highly of the facilities: "The facilities are good at the college and give loads of options for when to use them."
Ryan’s story is an inspiration for young athletes looking to take their skills to the next level while maintaining a strong academic foundation. Weston College provides the perfect environment for balancing education with sporting aspirations, offering a range of courses, support, and top-notch facilities for students keen on a career in sports.
If you're passionate about sport and want to take your game to the next level, you can study one of our sport courses. Click here to find out more.
Our Sport courses are part of the Sports Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.
Photo credit Mark Stainer/WsMAFC
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