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
On 24th September, Weston College welcomed over 900 local people to the Winter Gardens for the ‘What Next’ Careers Showcase for Year 10’s and 11’s.
A key date in the calendar, ‘What Next?’ is one of the biggest events of the year, showcasing so many opportunities for year 11 students, and this year’s event did not disappoint. Attendees had the opportunity to find out more about their potential career pathway; from meeting Weston College staff from all faculties, to speaking with a wide range of employers.
Over 40 employers attended including, Airbus, Muller, the Royal Navy, Thatchers Cider, Bristol City Robins Foundation and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. They spoke directly with students and parents, highlighting career prospects and opportunities within their industries.
Alongside employers, Weston College also showcased its Careers Excellence Hubs, giving students insight into the courses and pathways available across areas such as Early Years, Creative Arts, Construction, and Engineering. Lecturers were on hand at each stand to answer questions and provide advice.
Students and parents could also book into a series of popular Inspire Talks, offering in-depth sessions on specific pathways including A Levels, T Levels, Apprenticeships, Foundation Pathways (Kings Trust Programme) and Diplomas (BTEC’s and UAL qualifications). Each talk shared key information and finished with a Q&A, helping attendees gain a clearer picture of what to expect when starting college next September.
Weston College’s next open event will take place across all campuses on 14th October. Book your place 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 and University Centre Weston (UCW) are proud to announce a new association with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity working to end men’s violence against women and girls.
White Ribbon’s mission is to engage men and boys in speaking out and challenging behaviours that lead to gender-based violence. By becoming an official supporter, Weston College and UCW are committing to promoting respectful relationships, gender equality, and a safer society.
“This is more than a ribbon,” said a Chloe Wilde, Director - Social Justice and Student Support. “This is a commitment to stand up, speak out and act to end violence against women. As educators, we have a responsibility to foster a culture where harmful behaviours are challenged, and respectful, healthy relationships are championed.”
Staff have been invited to wear the White Ribbon throughout November — not just on White Ribbon Day (25 November) — and numerous colleagues have already stepped forward to become official White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions, helping to embed the charity’s vital message into the heart of campus life.
As part of the initiative, a working group will be formed to support ongoing action across the College and University Centre community, ensuring this is more than a moment, it’s the beginning of sustained, meaningful change.
Weston College is proudly celebrating its 180th anniversary in 2025, marking nearly two centuries of empowering individuals, transforming lives, and serving the community through education.
Founded in 1845 with the opening of its first building on the Knightstone Campus site, the College has grown into a leading educational institution, delivering further and higher education to thousands of learners every year. Over the decades, the College has expanded its campuses, invested in state-of-the-art facilities, and forged strong university partnerships, helping to position Weston-super-Mare as a hub of opportunity.
Historic milestones include:
- 1893: Opening of the Hans Price–designed School of Science and Art (now the College’s Conference Centre).
- 1966–1970: Development of the Knightstone Campus and launch of Weston Technical College.
- 2007: Opening of Loxton Campus, home to A-Levels and creative courses.
- 2016: Awarded University Centre status and the creation of University Centre Weston (UCW).
- 2017: Winner of the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
- 2018 & beyond: Achieved TEF Gold for higher education and recognised nationally for excellence in STEM and inclusive employment.
Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:
“For 180 years, Weston College has been more than a place of learning - it has been a cornerstone of our community. This milestone is not just about our history, but about the lives it has touched along the way.
Sharing the Memories
To mark the anniversary, Weston College is inviting current and former students, staff, and community members to share their personal stories, photographs, and memories. Whether it’s about achieving a dream career, creating lifelong friendships, or carrying on a family tradition, we hope these stories will help capture the spirit of Weston College’s journey. Contributions can be submitted through a dedicated online form, available via the College’s website.
Share your personal story here
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
