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.
See SubjectsJoin a Career Excellence Hub and gain real-world skills, experience, and confidence to reach your goals.
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!
Find Your Future Path
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
Wednesday 12 June, 14:00-17:00
Today the College’s Hospitality and Hair and Beauty sectors had an end-of-year celebration and competition in the theme - The Mad Hatters Tea Party.
The day ran from 14.00-17:00, with competitions starting at 11 in the kitchens and 14.00 on the main floor, and the awards presentation took place at 16.00.
The competition was open to all learners from the areas who are studying full programmes and apprenticeships. Two learners from each group progress from the heat to the final on the day.
Those not taking part in the competitions arrived at 3pm for mocktails.
After the competitions, the Mad Hatters Tea Party took place, and high tea was served. Prizes were then be awarded:
- Hair and Beauty Learner of the Year - Natasha Bryant
- Hospitality and Catering Learner of the Year - Georgia Perry-Wilkinson
- Apprentice learner of the year - Hannah Handsford, Beautylicious in Taunton
The competitions that took place today included (all one hour):
- Level 1 Hair and Beauty (open to entry level also) – Cheshire Cat-themed face paint. Model to be in costume. Judged by Lyndsey Fiddler, Inspire
- Level 1 Hair (open to entry level also) – Mad Hatter-themed plaiting and twisting. Accessories should be used and model in costume. Judged by Lyndsey Fiddler, Inspire
- Level 1 Hospitality (open to Entry level also) – A selection of Queen of Hearts Tarts. Judged by Alex Parsons, The Old Down Estate
- Level 2 Hair and Media Make-up – Mad Hatter-themed hair and make-up. Accessories and costume are compulsory. Hair preparation can begin before but must be dressed during the hour. Make-up preparation base can also be applied. All models must have costume. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
- Level 2/3 Barbering – Create an image to a Mad Hatters theme. Hair can be pre-coloured and model dressed for the tea party. Judged by Lyndsey Fiddler, Inspire
- Level 2 Hairdressing – Mad Hatter-themed fantasy hair (to include a pre- colour). Hair preparation can be started prior but is required to be dressed in the time. Model must be in full costume. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
- Level 2 Beauty – A manicure and finish suitable for a party. Model dressed for a tea party. Glitter and jazz encouraged. Judged by Carol Goodhind, Beauty Retreat
- Level 2 Food and Beverages – A mocktail fit for Alice, with decoration. Judged by Nikon Baker, The Winter Gardens
- Level 2 Professional Cookery – A selection of 20 party-ready cakes with decoration. Judged by Alex Parsons, The Old Down Estate
- Level 3 Hairdressing – Create an image to a Mad Hatters Tea Party theme. Colour can be applied prior to the day. Model must have a full costume. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
- Level 3 Massage Therapy – Busy Rabbit relax with a hot stone back, neck and shoulder treatment. Judged by Carol Goodhind, Beauty Retreat
- Level 3 Theatrical Make-Up – Body stencilling (face and shoulders). Accessories and costume are desired. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
- Level 3 Sports Massage – Ankle or knee rehabilitation after a fall down the rabbit hole. Judged by Carol Goodhind, Beauty Retreat
- Level 3 Food and Beverage – A Mad Hatter-themed table decoration. Judged by Nikon Baker, The Winter Gardens
- Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery – An Alice in Wonderland edible three-tier cake stand with selection of delights. Judged by Alex Parsons, The Old Down Estate
See all our courses and apprenticeships for more details.
It’s fitting that Weston College has the honour of sponsoring the Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing category at this year’s Bristol Law Society Awards.
As well as supporting a vital organisation in the local legal sector, this also gives us the opportunity highlight a range of subjects that resonate closely with the College’s values and priorities.
In recent years we’ve worked extremely hard to take our law-related provision to the next level and, in doing so, support local employers that operate in the legal industry.
We created the Law and Professional Services Academy following a multi-million-pound redevelopment to of the Winter Gardens Pavilion on Weston seafront.
It features a library, new computer equipment, technology-enhanced ‘pods’ for group study, a café, classrooms and social spaces, and we’ve also been able to maintain the traditional elements of design, which make the Winter Gardens so iconic.
This bright and spacious facility offers training across law and other professional services, and provides students with a large and diverse range of training.
We’ve worked closely with hundreds of employers across the region to create specialised and professional courses that offer clear progression routes.
As well as giving students clearly defined routes into the industry, the academy enables business to access cost-effective training courses and apprenticeships that will help them develop their workforce.
Employers have the opportunity to train their staff from Level 1 to university-level and can also work with us to create bespoke courses that meet their specific business needs.
Our courses range from the Law A Level and Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship through to the CILEx Law and Practice Diploma at Level 3 and Level 6.
The sponsorship of this award also enables us to highlight another area in which we’re leading the way – that of wellbeing and mental health.
We recently devised an organisation-wide initiative to enhance the mental health, wellbeing and welfare of our learners, staff and the sider community, and ensure they have the emotional resilience to meet the increasing demands of 21st century life.
The programme consists of a framework of ‘body and mind’ initiatives, including free mindfulness, meditation, dance and yoga sessions.
It also involves forging strong partnerships with the local authority, charities and clubs; hosting a series of sports, healthy eating and wellbeing sessions; and tackling issues such as low self-esteem, low confidence and smoking cessation.
This pioneering initiative received national recognition this year, by winning an Association of Colleges Beacon Award, with judges highlighting our commitment to creating an ethos that puts mental health, wellbeing and welfare at the forefront of its investment.
Aside from this programme, we’re proud to hold both the ‘Gold’ and ‘Champion’ Investors in People accreditation, which also recognise the College’s proactive approach to the mental health, wellbeing and welfare services of its staff. The College also offers staff free Mental Health First Aid training and provide a counselling service.
This issue of health and wellbeing was also central to the development of our Health and Active Skills Centre, which opened in September. As well as tackling the current skills shortage in the sector, this impressive facility also addresses longer-term issues that affect our health service and the health of the local population.
Like the finalists in this category of the Law Society’s Awards, we recognise that the most successful and robust organisations are diverse and inclusive. It’s in the fabric of the College that everyone has the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, circumstances or background.
The finalists in this category – Barcan+Kirby, DAC Beachcroft and RPC – have all embraced these values wholeheartedly and any one of them will be a worthy winner on the night of October 24th.
I’m very much looking forward to the event and wish all three companies the very best of luck. To find out more about Weston College’s range of law courses and facilities, visit the Law and Professional Services Academy page of our website.
A Weston College former Apprentice and winner of the Principal’s Outstanding Achievement Award has become UK National Apprentice of the Year.
Emma Rogers, 20, was also the College’s Apprentice of the Year in 2010 and the young mum, who is profoundly dyslexic, has opened her own shop – Beauty by Emma in Wedmore.
Emma, of Nyland, Cheddar, said: “I was so shocked and happy when I was told I’d won National Apprentice of the Year; it’s the best award yet.
“Every time I win something it’s a great surprise but inspires me to go on to the next thing.
“Studying at Weston College has been an amazing journey for me and it’s one I am keen to share to help support other young people find their path in life.” Emma will receive her Adult Learners’ Week Apprentice of the Year certificate at a lunch in London’s Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre on May 20th.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education is set to host the event.
Emma is also set to go to a Parliamentary reception on Thursday, May 16 at Westminster hosted by the All Party Group for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning chaired by MP’s Kelvin Hopkins, Robert Halfon and Stephen Lloyd.
Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips OBE, said: “This is an amazing achievement for Emma which she rightly deserves.
“All our students are special to us. With 30,000 enrolments, 30 A Levels, more than 100 vocational courses, 50 Apprenticeships and an expected turnover next year of nearly £45 million - we are the best in the West.”
Emma started her Apprenticeship in April 2010 but left in December to have her son Charlie-James. When he was just three months old she returned to win Gold in her first UK WorldSkills heat. Emma went on to win two WorldSkills rounds and then gold at the National Final. As top beautician in the UK she trained to represent the United Kingdom in Germany.
WorldSkills is the largest unique biannual global competition involving almost 1,000 apprentices and students, aged 18 to 24 in 46 skill areas. Around 5,500 young people compete for a place in the British squad made up of world-class vocational competitors in skills including mobile robotics, graphic design, carpentry, catering and mechanics. At the same time she completed her Level 2 and progressed to Level 3 beauty therapy and took care of Charlie-James who is now two years old.
Emma said: “I struggled at school because I’m dyslexic but I was happy to find what I was good at. I have to force myself to deal with paperwork for my business but do it.
“I didn’t expect to be a mum so young but having Charlie-James inspired me to get on and make the most of my life. His dad is very supportive, as are both our families”.
“My business is successful and it’s thanks to the training, support and vision I received at Weston College.”
Emma was nominated by her tutor, Head of Apprentices in Beauty, Hair, Barbering and Nails, Tanita Veal.
Tanita added: “Every now and then someone crosses your path who is truly exceptional. Emma is like a breath of fresh air.
“She’s displayed drive, passion, enthusiasm and total dedication to her apprenticeship, training and learning.
“We supported her dyslexia and Emma has overcome this and proved it isn’t a barrier to learning. She is an amazing person with courage, focus and commitment.”
If you've been inspired by Emma's story and would like to find out more about the Apprenticeships we offer, visit our Apprenticeship section.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
