Programmes for School Leavers
Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
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Qualifications Explained
At Weston College we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we deliver a variety of different qualification types - to give you the chance to learn in the way that suits you the most.
A Levels
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.
Apprenticeships
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
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.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great way for 16 to 24-year-olds who haven’t yet gained the skills and experiences necessary to apply for jobs and apprenticeships. They are taught mostly in the workplace and include a mixture of personal and social development, and employability skills. The aim of a traineeship is to train you within a company so that you are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship or a job.
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.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@weston.ac.uk. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
<p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Last week our Level 2,3 and T Level Health learners embarked on an enriching journey to London! Over the course of three exciting days, the learners immersed themselves in multiple aspects of healthcare evolution and human anatomy, enhancing their knowledge and eagerness for the field. </span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">The students’ highlight of their trip was a visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum, where they explored the rich history of healthcare and gained insights into its evolution through the years. This experience was unforgettable for our students, they carefully connected their classroom-based learning to real world applications by delving into the pioneering practices of Florence Nightingale to modern-day innovations. </span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Moreover, the learners had the unique opportunity to engage in interactive activities while touring the Science Museum, discovering the intricate workings of the human body! By having the chance to have hands-on experience and view exhibits, the students enhanced their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities of healthcare in the gripping museum. </span></p><p> </p><drupal-entity alt=""Health and Social Care Students in London in Front of a Statue"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce0fb6e6-b0ea-4967-b59a-7567a03c7da0" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_750x750","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Additionally, the learners ventured into the thrilling London Dungeons, a fascinating experience that provided valuable insights into public health practices throughout history. This journey not only sparked curiosity and critical thinking but developed their understanding of healthcare. </span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">This trip stepped the learners outside of their comfort zone, building relationships and allowing personal development. Through engaging with diverse experiences, students sharpened essential skills such as teamwork, communication and adaptability. </span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">What an incredible once-in-a lifetime experience for the nineteen Level 2,3 and T Level Health learners! </span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">This exhilarating trip forms part of the Health and Social Care Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. </span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">For further information on our fantastic Health and Social Care courses, please </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">click here.</span></a></p><p> </p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"><strong>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 </strong></span><a class="fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; aria-label="Link here" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-… class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"><strong>. 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.</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Our T level Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction students provided their assistance to the Foodbank Warehouse in Beaufighter Road, Weston-Super-Mare.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture3_0.jpg" data-entity-uuid="01ff78b3-c982-43dc-b677-6bebbdab1d48" data-entity-type="file" alt="Learners analysing the foodbank" width="780" height="585"></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">The learners began their exciting day with an introduction from Lucy, the Foodbank Warehouse manager. She explained their struggle in the movement of food products around the warehouse and explained how they could use the students help. This meant that the students were fortunate enough to get involved in a real-life project to solve the foodbanks problem!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">After being split into three groups and being assigned a task, the students carried out a detailed measurement survey of the entire warehouse – this included the ground floor, welfare and office areas and the first-floor mezzanine structure. Lucy then provided them with her project requirements which involved the budget.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture2_0.jpg" data-entity-uuid="90b65845-320d-4d22-bfec-edd7edfd5ae4" data-entity-type="file" alt="Learners moving trolleys with food around the warehouse" width="764" height="573"></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">After a day of exciting events, the students returned to the Weson College classroom and eagerly began using a Computer Aided Design software called Revitt. This specialist software enabled the students to draw out the warehouse’s layout, they even had an option of various re-designs which would be costed up!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">The T Level learners are eager to meet up again with Lucy to submit their very own designs to her and receive feedback to work upon!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">A huge thank you to Lucy and the team at the Foodbank Warehouse for giving our students the opportunity to work on such a fantastic project!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture1_1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="71ff3c75-843d-47ef-8848-7e49b5f802ca" data-entity-type="file" alt="Learners measuring for construction project" width="758" height="568"></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">This project forms part of the subject Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.</span></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">If you're interested in finding out more about our T Level Construction courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… here</a></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p>
<p>Students, educators, and employers in the education industry gathered at Weston College for a captivating lecture delivered by acclaimed author Greg Bottrill. As a former early years lead and assistant headteacher with extensive experience in the early years sector, Greg Bottrill enlightened attendees on the profound impact of play-based learning on a child’s cognitive and emotional development.</p><p>Greg Bottrill, known for his expertise in the Play Projects approach, shared insights into the transformative power of incorporating choice, creativity, collaboration, mark-making, mathematics, joy, invention, and endless possibilities into early years practices. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Greg provided practical strategies for creating dynamic learning environments that stimulate curiosity and independence, emphasizing the pivotal role of play in childhood development.</p><p>The evening, attended by Education & Early Years students, alumni, and professionals from various education settings, featured an uplifting and insightful workshop exploring the application of play projects in practice. Attendees were immersed in Greg’s passion for real play, the magic of childhood, and the importance of placing children at the heart of their learning adventure.</p><p>Rachel Landen from Keepers Gate Forest School conveyed her enthusiasm, stating, “I took so much away from this event; I was still talking about it when I woke up the next day. All our staff were engaged and excited about how we could implement some of the ideas.”</p><p>The Weston College Early Years and Education Careers Excellence Hubs express their gratitude to Greg Bottrill for delivering such a fantastic and enriching lecture. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees underscores the success of the event in inspiring and motivating educators and professionals in the education industry.</p><p>Engaging with industry experts and employers forms part of Weston College’s Early Years and Education Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our students' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares students 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.</p><p>For those interested in exploring education and early years courses at Weston College, please visit <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… and Early Years | Weston College.</a></p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p>
