Previous
Next

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 Subjects

Join 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!

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

navy and gold ucw 2026 prospectus

Are you a Weston College student thinking about your next steps? You don’t have to look far for progression opportunities - University Centre Weston (UCW) offers a range of degree courses right at your doorstep. 

We provide more than just courses for school leavers and adult learners. Through UCW, you can take the next step in your education without the need to move away. Our 2026 UCW Prospectus is now available, packed with details about our wide variety of degree courses, student life, and support services. 

We offer a diverse selection of degree-level programs to help you build the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. Our courses include: 

  • Business and Professional Services 
  • Computing and Digital Technologies 
  • Performance, Production Arts, and Music 
  • Art, Media, and Design 
  • Counselling and Healthcare 
  • Education 
  • Inclusive Practice 
  • Criminology 
  • Engineering and Construction 

By continuing your studies with UCW, you’ll benefit from familiar surroundings, allowing you to stay local while gaining a high-quality degree. You’ll be part of a supportive learning environment, with smaller class sizes and tailored support. Our degrees are designed with employers in mind, giving you strong career prospects and the best start in your professional journey. You’ll also receive expert financial guidance on student finance and funding options. If you choose to move, we offer flexible and affordable accommodation solutions. Plus, you can find inspiration in our alumni success stories—former Weston College students who have progressed to rewarding careers with the help of UCW. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

Access our 2026 UCW Prospectus online now! 

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. 

National Careers Week stand in south west skills

National Careers Week (NCW) has been a fantastic start to STEPS Month at Weston College! Our Careers and Employability Team coordinated an exciting and diverse range of events, ensuring that learners across all campuses had the opportunity to explore their future career paths and personal development opportunities. 

This year’s NCW was packed with engaging activities, guest workshops, and tailored lessons, all designed to inspire and inform. Over 150 learners from seven different subject areas took part in special workshops to learn more about gap years, giving them valuable insights into how they could broaden their horizons before stepping into employment or further education. Additionally, our Maths and English departments incorporated career-related lessons, helping learners see the real-world applications of their studies and how they can connect to future opportunities. 

The week was a great success, with learners actively engaging in career discussions, discovering new possibilities, and taking steps towards shaping their futures. STEPS Month is a cross-college initiative designed to support personal development, and National Careers Week is just the beginning! There are plenty more opportunities coming up for learners to get involved in various activities throughout the month. 

To find out more about what’s happening, check out our SharePoint page – National Careers Week – where you’ll find further details on upcoming events. If you have any questions or want to explore more career-related opportunities, reach out to our Careers and Employability Team or email at CET@weston.ac.uk

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. 

Hospitality and Catering students and staff smiling in the Winter Gardens

Last week, the Winter Gardens hosted a fantastic Ramadan event to celebrate Iftar, the breaking of fast, where anyone was welcome to attend. With lectures, speeches, prayers, songs and lots of delicious food—it was unmissable and a great way to bring the community together and enrich people in the culture.

Ramadan is a month-long celebration of the Quran where Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours; this is known as fasting. Fasting allows Muslims to focus on their faith and remember the month that the Quran was first presented to the Prophet Mohammed. Ramadan takes place on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which changes every year depending on the moon cycles, but this year, it began on Friday 28 February and will end on Sunday 30 March.

At the Winter Gardens event, the evening commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by captivating performances by Birmingham’s Nasheed group, Shaam. Aishah Ahmed from Aishah’s Food Charity, the organisation behind this event and the provider of the heaps of fantastic food, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting their efforts and the importance of the event. This was followed by a lecture on the significance of Ramadan and a prayer before the sunset and the attendees broke their fast, indulging in the delicious spread.

The Winter Gardens full of people celebrating the Ramadan event

 

Aishah’s Food Charity prepared trays of food for each table, including roast chicken pieces, vegetable pakora, vegetable samosas, lamb, chicken and vegetable biryani, Dall soup, and baklava for dessert.

This charity was set up by Aishah Ahmed, a 21-year-old Law student who wanted to help reduce hunger in Weston-super-Mare by setting up a hot meal foodbank every Wednesday evening to help those in need. She wanted to follow in her dad’s footsteps, Sayd Ahmed, who has a long reputation for similar work in the community. All the food was delicious and packed with flavour and heart which everyone in the room enjoyed.

Hospitality and Catering students and staff standing smiling with Sayd Ahmed

 

In order to immerse our students in this religious occasion, our Level 2 Hospitality and Catering learners assisted in the preparation of some of the food. During a workshop with local business owner, Syed, our students learnt how to make chicken biryani and vegetable pakora, focusing highly on the spices used. They even got to attend the event themselves to enrich themselves in the culture and gain a better understanding of Ramadan, as well as assisting in serving the dishes to the community.

Syed cutting marinated chicken into pieces for the students to taste test

 

The evening continued with other speeches from influential people from around Weston-super-Mare, lessons surrounding breaking the fast and the end of the fasting period, and concluding with a final performance from Nasheed by Shaam Group and closing ceremony remarks.

This event had over 500 attendees from in and around Weston-super-Mare, welcoming everyone with open arms to learn about their religion and celebrate this event with the community as a whole. With delicious food, amazing company, and fantastic music, this event was a great way to celebrate Ramadan and Iftar, experiencing the cultural traditions and educating everyone about its importance.

A big thank you to Aishah’s Food Charity for organising this event and allowing our Hospitality and Catering students to be a part of it.

This workshop forms part of the Hospitality and Catering Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Hospitality and Catering courses, click here.

WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?

arrow icon arrow icon

Got a question?

Whatever you'd like to know, we're here to help...

Apply or find out more


Marketing Permissions

We’d love to keep you informed about vacancies, courses, and updates we think you’ll find valuable. You can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please let us know how you’d like to hear from us:

Email

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
navy and gold ucw 2026 prospectus

Are you a Weston College student thinking about your next steps? You don’t have to look far for progression opportunities - University Centre Weston (UCW) offers a range of degree courses right at your doorstep. 

We provide more than just courses for school leavers and adult learners. Through UCW, you can take the next step in your education without the need to move away. Our 2026 UCW Prospectus is now available, packed with details about our wide variety of degree courses, student life, and support services. 

We offer a diverse selection of degree-level programs to help you build the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. Our courses include: 

  • Business and Professional Services 
  • Computing and Digital Technologies 
  • Performance, Production Arts, and Music 
  • Art, Media, and Design 
  • Counselling and Healthcare 
  • Education 
  • Inclusive Practice 
  • Criminology 
  • Engineering and Construction 

By continuing your studies with UCW, you’ll benefit from familiar surroundings, allowing you to stay local while gaining a high-quality degree. You’ll be part of a supportive learning environment, with smaller class sizes and tailored support. Our degrees are designed with employers in mind, giving you strong career prospects and the best start in your professional journey. You’ll also receive expert financial guidance on student finance and funding options. If you choose to move, we offer flexible and affordable accommodation solutions. Plus, you can find inspiration in our alumni success stories—former Weston College students who have progressed to rewarding careers with the help of UCW. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

Access our 2026 UCW Prospectus online now! 

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. 

National Careers Week stand in south west skills

National Careers Week (NCW) has been a fantastic start to STEPS Month at Weston College! Our Careers and Employability Team coordinated an exciting and diverse range of events, ensuring that learners across all campuses had the opportunity to explore their future career paths and personal development opportunities. 

This year’s NCW was packed with engaging activities, guest workshops, and tailored lessons, all designed to inspire and inform. Over 150 learners from seven different subject areas took part in special workshops to learn more about gap years, giving them valuable insights into how they could broaden their horizons before stepping into employment or further education. Additionally, our Maths and English departments incorporated career-related lessons, helping learners see the real-world applications of their studies and how they can connect to future opportunities. 

The week was a great success, with learners actively engaging in career discussions, discovering new possibilities, and taking steps towards shaping their futures. STEPS Month is a cross-college initiative designed to support personal development, and National Careers Week is just the beginning! There are plenty more opportunities coming up for learners to get involved in various activities throughout the month. 

To find out more about what’s happening, check out our SharePoint page – National Careers Week – where you’ll find further details on upcoming events. If you have any questions or want to explore more career-related opportunities, reach out to our Careers and Employability Team or email at CET@weston.ac.uk

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. 

Hospitality and Catering students and staff smiling in the Winter Gardens

Last week, the Winter Gardens hosted a fantastic Ramadan event to celebrate Iftar, the breaking of fast, where anyone was welcome to attend. With lectures, speeches, prayers, songs and lots of delicious food—it was unmissable and a great way to bring the community together and enrich people in the culture.

Ramadan is a month-long celebration of the Quran where Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours; this is known as fasting. Fasting allows Muslims to focus on their faith and remember the month that the Quran was first presented to the Prophet Mohammed. Ramadan takes place on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which changes every year depending on the moon cycles, but this year, it began on Friday 28 February and will end on Sunday 30 March.

At the Winter Gardens event, the evening commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by captivating performances by Birmingham’s Nasheed group, Shaam. Aishah Ahmed from Aishah’s Food Charity, the organisation behind this event and the provider of the heaps of fantastic food, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting their efforts and the importance of the event. This was followed by a lecture on the significance of Ramadan and a prayer before the sunset and the attendees broke their fast, indulging in the delicious spread.

The Winter Gardens full of people celebrating the Ramadan event

 

Aishah’s Food Charity prepared trays of food for each table, including roast chicken pieces, vegetable pakora, vegetable samosas, lamb, chicken and vegetable biryani, Dall soup, and baklava for dessert.

This charity was set up by Aishah Ahmed, a 21-year-old Law student who wanted to help reduce hunger in Weston-super-Mare by setting up a hot meal foodbank every Wednesday evening to help those in need. She wanted to follow in her dad’s footsteps, Sayd Ahmed, who has a long reputation for similar work in the community. All the food was delicious and packed with flavour and heart which everyone in the room enjoyed.

Hospitality and Catering students and staff standing smiling with Sayd Ahmed

 

In order to immerse our students in this religious occasion, our Level 2 Hospitality and Catering learners assisted in the preparation of some of the food. During a workshop with local business owner, Syed, our students learnt how to make chicken biryani and vegetable pakora, focusing highly on the spices used. They even got to attend the event themselves to enrich themselves in the culture and gain a better understanding of Ramadan, as well as assisting in serving the dishes to the community.

Syed cutting marinated chicken into pieces for the students to taste test

 

The evening continued with other speeches from influential people from around Weston-super-Mare, lessons surrounding breaking the fast and the end of the fasting period, and concluding with a final performance from Nasheed by Shaam Group and closing ceremony remarks.

This event had over 500 attendees from in and around Weston-super-Mare, welcoming everyone with open arms to learn about their religion and celebrate this event with the community as a whole. With delicious food, amazing company, and fantastic music, this event was a great way to celebrate Ramadan and Iftar, experiencing the cultural traditions and educating everyone about its importance.

A big thank you to Aishah’s Food Charity for organising this event and allowing our Hospitality and Catering students to be a part of it.

This workshop forms part of the Hospitality and Catering Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Hospitality and Catering courses, click here.