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>Last week, our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </a>and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </a>students visited the Bristol Hippodrome to gain work experience photographing the performing arts venue. They photographed both the interior and exterior as well as the staff at work.</p><p>This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain valuable, hands-on experience, learning more about Press photography, portraiture, and working within creative arts in a popular and well-known venue.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Photography students sat on the steps of the Bristol Hippodrome smiling"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb37b837-2633-4987-b6c8-644274e53710" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>During the visit, students received a tour of the building, got a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals for the performance, War Horse, where they were warming up vocals and fitness, and met members of the Bristol Hippodrome staff.</p><p>The day began with the students capturing some interior photography of the bar, lounge, auditorium and foyer areas to take promotional photos of the venue using the correct lighting, angles and camera modes.</p><p>Following lunch in the Grand Bar, the students then shot more photos from the exterior of the building which was a great way for students to learn to adapt between natural and artificial lighting.</p><p>Not only did they learn about the different settings required for public venues, but they also got to consider how to be more discrete when taking photos in such a high-profile environments, making sure to capture up-close and detailed photos without causing disruption or distractions.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Student standing taking a photograph in the auditorium"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eab32247-6838-4fe4-8d8b-d5c0393844b2" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>During the day they improved their compositional techniques when framing their photographs which allowed them to achieve a variety of shots and develop their portfolios. </p><p>Sam Brooks, one of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </a>lecturers at Weston College, expressed the impact that this experience had on the students’ personal and professional development, saying, “This opportunity introduced our students to high-profile client work with a leading Performing Arts venue. It provided them with invaluable practical experience and the chance to network within a dynamic industry that has a high demand for talented photographers — one we hope to collaborate with again in the future.”</p><p>Thank you to the Bristol Hippodrome for accommodating our students and giving them this fantastic opportunity. </p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… you’re interested in applying to one of our Photography or Media courses, click here.</a></p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </a>and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… </a>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.</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 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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">As the academic year draws to a close, students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… & Social Care</u></a> came together for an in-house Sports Day, organised by the Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… 3 Sport Coaching</u></a> cohort. </p><p>The event brought plenty of energy, teamwork, and laughter as students competed in a variety of traditional sports day activities, including the egg-and-spoon race, sack race, wheelbarrow race, three-legged race, sprints, baton relays, and an intense game of tug-of-war to round off the day. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Students running with batons in the relay"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd10a3cd-2ca0-4730-897c-c82abfa1010e" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>Participation was enthusiastic across both departments, with students and staff getting fully involved to earn points for their teams. While some approached the competition with fierce determination and others embraced the fun more casually, the atmosphere remained light-hearted and supportive throughout and provided a much-needed break from the pressures of exam season. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… & Social Care</u></a> students added extra spirit by turning up in colour-coordinated outfits, complete with handmade signs and pom poms to cheer on their teams. Their enthusiasm created a sense of community and excitement that kept energy levels high all day. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Group of Health and Social Care students wearing purple and holding pom poms"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e76e595-4add-4803-9265-a89951c33809" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><drupal-entity alt=""Group of Health and Social Care students wearing green holding supportive posters"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b391365-5225-4316-aa86-6831018e6ed4" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… 3 Coaching</u></a> students took on the role of organisers and judges, carefully tracking results and awarding medals to the top three competitors in each event. The day finished with an awards ceremony where the overall winning team was presented with a trophy, celebrating not just athletic success but also teamwork and enthusiasm. </p><p>Flynn, one of the Year 2 Level 3 Coaching students who helped with the organisation of the event, shared the impact of this day on his education, saying, “As a Weston College student, I felt that this event was a really good way for students to take part in an enjoyable, well planned out, first Weston College sports day. Not only was it good for those who participated, but it was also a great way for our Sports Coaching team to practice and learn how to organise a successful event. </p><p>We did have to change the day due to unfortunate weather, redirecting it to the Sports Hall, which was a great lesson of adaptability for our future coaching journey. However, overall, it was a massive success and will become an annual event from now on for the college as it was a great practical lesson for us which helped with our assessments.” </p><p>Dan Lomax, Curriculum Co-ordinator for <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; at Weston College, praised the efforts of the organising students, saying, “The <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… 3 Coaching</u></a> students did an excellent job planning and delivering such a fantastic event. Despite the challenge of moving indoors due to poor weather, they adapted seamlessly and kept morale high. It was brilliant to see both Health and Sport learners enjoying the day together, celebrating the end of a hard-working year. They’ve all been a pleasure to teach, and it was great to see them support each other and fully embrace the day’s challenges.” </p><drupal-entity alt=""Three relay teams standing on the celebratory podium"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e0520ab-1c0d-4e48-8fe7-a8ba132eba5b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>Congratulations to the Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students for delivering a memorable event that displayed great examples of teamwork, encouragement, and celebration. </p><p>This event forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… & Social Care</u></a> 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. </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>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Hi, I’m Tom, a Year 1 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… 3 Business BTEC</a> student at Weston College. My course gave me the opportunity to go on an amazing trip to New York City, where we made lots of memories, gained a greater insight into the industry and experienced many new things. Both my course and this trip have benefitted me greatly due to the range knowledge I have gained and the opportunities I have received like the trip to New York which I will discuss below! </p><p>The New York trip was across 5 days, exploring the sights around Manhattan and no day was the same, every day was filled with new landmarks, attractions and memories. We went to Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, The 9/11 Memorial and many more. We also had an even balance of free time, which gave us all time to try American food and experience things that are once in a lifetime. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Panorama photograph of Times Square taken by Tom"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0b084d5-9c23-49b9-8ca8-5feac6d7728c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>The memories started when we landed in New York and headed through JFK airport, and whilst waiting for other students at security, we saw Mike Tyson! It was a memorable start to the trip as he met everyone there, including the students. </p><p>Once we’d unpacked our bags, we took to Times Square and were in awe of the American nightlife, particularly the tall buildings and billboards, and the huge amount of people. It even began to snow! We then got food, did some shopping and explored the area. My friends and I went to Raising Canes for the first time (now a group favourite of ours) and we were greeted by the queue reaching the door, they even had a live DJ! </p><p>The next day, we went to visit the Statue of Liberty! We got on the island and took a group photo, and we explored the area, grabbed some food, looked around the museum, and then went to Ellis Island where we learned about its historical significance around immigration. We then had a snowball fight between first- and second-year students! Later in the day, we walked to Chinatown where everyone explored the rich culture, before heading to the Brooklyn Bridge. That night we went out to Times Square again, shopped for souvenirs and got the famous New York Pizza! </p><drupal-entity alt=""Polaroid photograph of Tom and his friends"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9353d7e1-359f-42be-ba06-1ed07c858d39" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>Our third day was extremely busy, we walked past the Ghostbusters Building before an impactful visit to the 9/11 memorial where we learnt more about the attacks, saw exhibits, viewed real pieces of the salvaged towers before finishing with an emotional video. This was a very powerful and insightful part of the trip. We then had free time around the area, so of course we went to an American McDonalds! </p><p>After this, we went to Wall Street for our guided tour with our extremely eccentric tour guide, Jared, which made the tour a lot more engaging due to his wisdom and quirkiness. The tour taught us a lot about the history of Wall Street, banking and so much more. That night, we walked around Rockefeller centre and got Chick Fill A as a group. </p><p>The following day, we went up the Empire State Building, walked around the exhibits, and took some pictures from the very top. Since it was Valentine’s Day, we witnessed four proposals which made the experience a lot more wholesome! I even bought a Lego set of some iconic NYC buildings from the gift shop. </p><p>After this, we had some more free time, so my friends and I split a pizza together and did some shopping before heading to Central Park and 5th avenue. By this point in the trip, we were doing 25,000 steps per day and my feet couldn’t take it, so I got a taxi back to the hotel and rested for a bit before rejoining the group later, feeling a lot better. </p><p>That night, we heard rumours that it was the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, so we rushed down to Rockefeller Centre where we stood in the audience and saw Jimmy Fallon walk outside! </p><p>On the fifth and final day, we visited the Highline, an abandoned railway line which has been converted into a footpath, before visiting the market below which was full of interesting shops and places to eat. We then headed to our meetup point, the Vessel, where I had a look in the Ray Bans store and, after long consideration, I bought a pair of Meta Ray Bans which allowed me to get some immersive pictures and videos in Times Square! </p><p>Unfortunately, it was time to get ready for our flight back to London. Once we landed and got off the plane, we headed for the coach back to college, and throughout the coach trip, there was good vibes the whole way, trying to remain on the trip as long as we could, but sadly, after 5 days and 120,000 steps later, we were back at college, where our loved ones were waiting. </p><p>This trip was an amazing opportunity to learn about international Business, and Travel & Tourism, whilst trying new experiences and making friends and memories along the way. This is not the only trip offered by Business and Travel & Tourism! Other trips include Alton Towers, Mendip Activity Centre, becoming a British Airways Cabin Crew member and many more. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… you would like to apply to one of our Business courses, click here.</u></a></p>
