Weston College today (Tuesday 8th April 2025) responds to the publication of the Financial Notice to Improve report by the Department for Education.

The College is also publishing its accounts for the financial year 2023, which was delayed due to an investigation related to the notice.

Both publications detail how the former Principal and CEO received a remuneration package of over £1.8m in 2023, which included a ‘retention payment’ of £909,000.

The investigation, undertaken in June 2024 by the Further Education Commissioner’s Office on behalf of the Government, discovered that the former Principal’s package was approved by a remuneration committee without the approval of the College board and without the knowledge of any current member of the College’s Senior Executive Team.

During summer 2024, the College made a significant number of changes to its governance and management, including an experienced interim Chair of Governors appointed by the Further Education Commissioner’s Office, a new Principal & Chief Executive, a new Chief Operating Officer and an Interim Clerk supporting the board. These changes have also seen 17 new board members join since September 2023, when the former Principal and CEO had retired, with none of the remaining board members having served on past remuneration or audit committees.

Interim Chair of Governors Tim Jackson said: “As a result of the investigation and in response to the verbal recommendations by the Further Education Commissioner’s Office in June 2024, significant changes were approved by the board and implemented in July 2024 to strengthen governance, improve oversight and due diligence. The publication of the 13 recommendations in the intervention report today entirely matches the changes implemented in July 2024.

These changes have been repeatedly monitored by the board and shared with the FE Commissioner team and the ESFA at the regular intervention case meetings since July. These actions have been successful and will ensure there can be no repetition of anything like this in future.”

Changes include:

• a dedicated governance professional who does not report to the CEO/Principal and provides challenge and guidance to the Board the Chair and Principal.
• a review of the terms of office for all governors in line with the Association of Colleges’ Code of Good Governance so that all current Board members have no more than 8 years' service.
• robust reporting procedures, ensuring transparency and consistency regarding the approval of senior post holder pay.

Tim Jackson added: “The College board of governors are shocked at the size of the remuneration package paid to the retired ex-Principal in 2023 and the years prior to that. They believe the remuneration sums at this level are unacceptable and agree with the FE Commissioner Intervention report concerning this being a matter of a failure of proper governance processes and poor decision making around the best use of public funds, which we note were made by a past membership of the board of governors.”

“I would like to thank those members of staff, who were brave to raise concerns with regulators in relation to this matter as and when these were discovered and who prioritised the integrity and interests of the College, their colleagues and students.”

“Over the past months, the College has worked alongside the FE Commissioner’s Office and other stakeholders to provide a transparent and accurate picture of the events prior to summer 2023. This has been a long process, but the College was able to quickly and effectively address concerns raised within the notice to improve.”

“Our focus now is on the robust and rigorous controls and governance, alongside a culture of trust, transparency, accountability and fairness in our decision making.”

Principal and CEO Pat Jones said: “Staff and the wider college community will understandably be concerned and dismayed about the remuneration package revealed by this investigation, and we recognise those frustrations.”

“We want to reiterate that the focus of the investigations and subsequent financial notice to improve are about past issues dating back to a period concluding in the summer 2023. The financial notice to improve does not relate to our sustainability, to the high quality of education we deliver, or to our general finances, which are in good health.”

“My priority with the support of the Executive Team is about making sure that an ethos and culture of trust, transparency, care and equity is at the forefront of all decisions. We started this process by immediately addressing the pay differential of our staff, and a 4-8% pay award was implemented in the Autumn term 2024, which was far in excess of the Association of Colleges (AoC) recommendation."

“We would like to thank all our staff and our stakeholders for their ongoing support and look forward to continuing on our roadmap to becoming an ‘Extraordinary College’.”

Weston College proudly announces a remarkable 96.6% pass rate for its T Level students, exceeding the national average by 5.6%. This achievement highlights the college's dedication to providing exceptional technical education and preparing students for successful careers. 

T Levels are rigorous two-year qualifications, equivalent to three A Levels, designed in collaboration with employers to equip students with the skills and experience demanded by industry. Weston College's impressive results reflect the dedication of both students and staff in embracing this innovative educational pathway. 

In celebration of this success, Weston College is excited to expand its T Level offerings for the upcoming academic year. This September 2025, prospective students can enrol in the following T Level courses: 

• Animal Management: Specialising in either Behaviour or Science, this course prepares students for careers in animal care, veterinary services, and zoological research.
• Early Years: Offering pathways in Early Years Education and Assisting Teaching, students gain the skills needed for roles in childcare settings and educational support.
• Business Management and Leadership: Equips students with strategic and operational skills applicable across various sectors, paving the way for careers in management, marketing, and human resources.
• Construction: Focusing on Design, Surveying, and Planning, this course prepares students for professions such as architecture, surveying, and project management.
• Digital: With pathways in Production, Design, Development, and Support Services, students are prepared for careers in software development, IT systems, and cybersecurity.
• Engineering and Manufacturing: Provides comprehensive training in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, leading to opportunities in industries like aerospace and green energy. 
• Legal Services: Introduces students to the legal sector, preparing them for roles such as paralegals and legal executives.
• Media, Broadcast, and Production: Combines technical expertise with storytelling, suitable for careers in television, radio, and digital media.
• Science: Offers practical skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis, opening doors to careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. 

These courses are designed to provide students with a blend of classroom learning and substantial industry placements, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, expressed pride in the College's accomplishments: 

"These results highlight the dedication and hard work of our students, demonstrating once again the excellent progress our students make toward higher education or employment. At Weston College, our focus extends beyond helping students pass exams—we are committed to equipping them for their future careers."  

Weston College remains dedicated to fostering an environment where students can achieve academic excellence and gain the practical skills necessary for their chosen careers. The expansion of T Level courses reflects the College's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both students and the industries they aspire to join. 

For more information on T Level courses and application details, please click here. 

Meet our past T Level Students 

Callum Kavanagh: Digital Production Design and Development T Level 

Callum embarked on the Digital Production Design and Development T Level at Weston College after completing a Level 2 course to build his foundational computing knowledge. His dedication led to an industry placement with Lloyds Banking Group, where he applied his skills in a real-world setting. Reflecting on his journey, Callum stated: 

"Before joining the DPDD T Level with Weston College, I completed a Level 2 course. This helped to build my confidence and basic computing knowledge. Once I started the T Level, I was quickly introduced to the hands-on working experience side of the course, which benefitted me greatly."  

Greta: Business, Management, and Leadership T Level

Greta, a second-year student in the Business, Management, and Leadership T Level, secured an industry placement at Occuteach, an occupational training provider. There, she gained hands-on experience in marketing and client communications. She shared her enthusiasm: 

"The course has been very informative and engaging, providing me with valuable insights into the business world."

Christiana: Health T Level Graduate

Christiana completed her Health T Level and transitioned seamlessly into a Nursing Assistant role at Weston Hospital. She attributes her employment to the practical experience gained during her studies: 

"My placement during my T Level was at Weston Hospital—that experience was so incredible, and I now have a job on the ward where I did my placement."  

Grace: Early Years Educator T Level

Grace's commitment during her Early Years Educator T Level led to a summer job offer from her placement at Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead. She praised the course's balance of theoretical and practical learning: 

"The T Level was a ‘great balance of placement and college hours,’ providing her with a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience to put her skills into practice."

On Tuesday, 2nd April, Weston College took over the Job Centre in Weston-super-Mare, for a day dedicated to supporting adults in their journey towards new training and employment opportunities.

The event was designed to showcase the extensive range of courses and support available to job seekers, helping them gain new skills and qualifications to improve their career prospects.

The event was well attended, with over 150 job seekers, as well as visitors including Jane Murch, Chief of Staff for Weston-super-Mare’s MP Dan Aldridge, Mayor John Crockford-Hawley, and Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones.

Their presence highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between educational institutions, local government, and employment services in tackling skills gaps and unemployment.

The College’s team set up engaging stations filled with information about courses, training opportunities, and career support.

Attendees had the chance to speak directly with advisors, discuss their aspirations, and even register their interest in courses tailored to their needs. There was even the opportunity to get their hair cut, by the Hair and Barbering team from Weston College.

Mike Hudson, Director of Student Recruitment and Customer Operations at Weston College, said: “It was great to host our third Weston College Takeover Day at Weston Job Centre, and to see so many people wanting to engage with education.

“This event reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering individuals through education. We are proud to support adult learners in accessing the training they need to take their next career step.

“A big thank you to the Department for Work and Pensions and the incredible staff at Weston Job Centre and Weston College who went above and beyond to make this event so impactful, our continued partnership is supporting with creating brighter futures for all.”