Former learner Lottie has proved to be a shining star, both on and off the pitch. We caught up with her, to discover her journey from studying at Weston College to playing professional rugby in France!

When I began my studies at Weston College in September 2019, I had no idea how transformative the next two years would be.

My academic focus was on A Levels in law, psychology, and combined English literature and language, but the opportunities that came through the College’s sport programmes truly shaped my future.

During my time at Weston College from 2019 to 2021, the staff and coaches worked with me to ensure that I could excel both on and off the pitch.

The flexibility they offered allowed me to balance my rigorous A Level studies with my demanding rugby training schedule. It wasn’t just the understanding from my tutors that helped—it was the quality of coaching that made the biggest difference. The coaches constantly pushed us to improve and offered personalised support to hone our skills. What stood out the most, however, was the off-pitch support the College provided. Rugby is about much more than what happens during a match. Weston College gave me access to nutrition advice, psychological support, and game analysis sessions—elements that allowed me to fully embrace what it means to be an athlete. This holistic approach prepared me for the challenges I would face later, both in my university years and beyond.

After completing my studies at Weston, I went on to graduate with a law degree from the University of Exeter. I was part of their High Performance Pathway for all three years, representing the 1XV and even captaining the team on multiple occasions. During my final year, I was fortunate enough to play for the Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Cup Competition. I also kept up my passion for 7s rugby by playing with Boom Beavers in the Super Sevens Series.

Weston College had set the foundation for my athletic and academic success, but it didn’t stop there. Thanks to the skills and mindset I had developed, I was able to take the next step in my rugby career—joining Montpellier in the Elite 1 league in France. This was not only a chance to grow in my sport but also an opportunity to fulfil a personal goal of learning a new language and living abroad. The move to Montpellier was an exciting next chapter in my journey. I had always wanted to experience life in another country, so after graduating from Exeter, I began researching opportunities to play rugby abroad.

Knowing a few players who had gone to France, I decided to reach out to various teams, and Montpellier responded. I visited the city in February, met the coaches, and knew right away that this was where I wanted to be.

Now, after six weeks of training with the team, including a Super Sevens tournament and a match against the Belgium National Team, I’m ready to start the season. French rugby is known for its flair, and I can’t wait to incorporate that style into my game.

For anyone looking to follow a similar path, my advice is simple: always remember why you love your sport. Rugby can be intense, with the pressures of selections, performances, and winning, but at its core, it should be fun. It should be something that fills your cup, not drains it. While it won’t always be easy, finding joy in the little moments—whether in training or in a match—will keep you motivated and passionate.

Looking back, I realise how pivotal my time at Weston College was. The academic support, combined with their comprehensive approach to sports development, gave me the tools I needed to succeed both as a student and as an athlete. I owe a big thank you to the College, and particularly to Jack Gadd, for all the encouragement and guidance along the way.

If you’re considering studying at Weston College, especially if you’re passionate about sports, I can’t recommend it enough. The College is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals, both academically and athletically, and I’m proud to be one of its success stories.

A big thank you to Lottie, and good luck for the season! If you would like to study a Sports course at Weston College, click here.

Photo credit Simon King.

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

Sign up to 'What Next?' here.

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.