ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Our successful Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are designed to give you the skills and qualifications you need to apply for university.
Weston College's Access to HE provision is well-established, with consistently high pass rates. This means that if you study with us you are likely to achieve the grades you need to progress on to a university-level course.
It's never too late to go to university. A degree can improve your employability and teach you a variety of skills that employers are looking for, such as analysis, research, managing time and budgets, networking and writing and communication skills. Having a degree also means you're more likely to get a higher-paid job.
Concerned about adding to loans and debt? Student Finance England will ‘write off’ the loan you take to pay for an Access to HE course, provided you go on to successfully complete a university-level qualification.
You'll fit in at Weston College. Because we're a further and higher education college, we're used to teaching adults - in fact over 15,000 of our students are 19+ years old. Our award-winning facilities are closer to what you'd expect from a university. You can find out more about them here.
Plus, if you study Access to HE with us and decide to apply for a degree at University Centre Weston, we'll prioritise your application.
• Course content. We work with universities such as the University of the West of England and Bath Spa University to ensure our Access to Higher Education courses are teaching you the skills and qualifications that universities are looking for.
• Reputation. Our adult course provision puts us in the top 25% of colleges in the country.
• Success rates. 98% of our students who applied to university after finishing their course were offered places and 100% of those students achieved the grades needed to accept their offers.
• Our facilities. Our Access to Higher Education courses are taught in our Knightstone Campus based in the town centre. You can find out more about our campuses here.
• Our links with universities and employers. As well as working with universities, we work with over 2,500 businesses to provide you with the best careers and progression guidance.
• If you are between 19 and 23, your tuition and exam fees could be free, depending on your previous qualifications and financial circumstances. If you are over the age of 19 but don't qualify for free tuition, you can apply for the Advanced Learner Loan to cover the main course fees.
• All adult learners who are UK residents can take out up to four Advanced Learner Loans and, even better, they are not credit based or means tested - so they will not affect your credit rating.
• You won't have to pay back a penny until you are earning more than £27,295 a year (before tax and other deductions).
• Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learning Loan balances you owe for an eligible Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you don’t have to repay a loan you take to pay for an Access to HE course provided you go on to successfully complete a university-level qualification.
Many learners who study an Access course do not have many formal qualifications. You are required to have a level 2 in English, if you do not have level 2 English, you can enrol on a Pre-Access course for which there are no formal entry requirements. However, you will be required to complete a maths and English assessment.
Available Access to Higher Education Pathways
Available pathways
We run two intakes each year; September and January. The pathways we offer are below.
Ask a question
Unsure what courses is right for you?
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Access to HE: Animal Science Diploma
Access to HE: Healthcare Fast track
LATEST NEWS
<p paraeid="{73222705-1f78-4f4a-87d2-ac97c1bad9ce}{218}" paraid="823180263">Weston College is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Bosang Humphrey, an Access to HE student who has demonstrated exceptional resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his education. Bosang, originally from Cameroon, overcame numerous personal obstacles and adversities to pursue a career in Mental Health Nursing. </p>
<p paraeid="{73222705-1f78-4f4a-87d2-ac97c1bad9ce}{236}" paraid="1831274478">Bosang embarked on his educational journey by enrolling in the Access to HE: Nursing, Health, and Midwifery program at Weston College. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the ability to overcome challenges, inspiring students, staff, and the wider community. </p>
<p paraeid="{73222705-1f78-4f4a-87d2-ac97c1bad9ce}{244}" paraid="1862438248">From the moment he arrived in the UK in 2006, Bosang exhibited a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey began with overcoming language barriers, but through hard work and a positive attitude, he conquered these obstacles. His academic achievements, initially at a pass level, have since soared to merits and distinctions, showcasing his exceptional abilities and dedication. </p>
<p paraeid="{73222705-1f78-4f4a-87d2-ac97c1bad9ce}{254}" paraid="1611578658">One of the most remarkable aspects of Bosang's journey is his determination to improve his IT skills. As a novice in IT upon joining the programme, he persevered, and today, he handles technology with ease. His dedication to self-improvement is an inspiration to fellow students. </p>
<p paraeid="{3d2f194e-955a-495e-b4f1-4a0db927845e}{13}" paraid="813345325">Bosang's commitment to his studies extended beyond the classroom, as he frequently stayed late, invested additional time, and sought support to enhance his learning. His extraordinary efforts have made him a role model for all learners, illustrating the power of determination and perseverance in the pursuit of education and personal growth. </p>
<p paraeid="{3d2f194e-955a-495e-b4f1-4a0db927845e}{21}" paraid="141096488">Maxine Park, Subject Area Manager for Access to HE at Weston College, had high praise for Bosang. She stated, </p>
<p paraeid="{3d2f194e-955a-495e-b4f1-4a0db927845e}{31}" paraid="1523725359">"We have been very fortunate to meet Bosang, as he inspires us during every session. He is a shining example of what dedication, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge can achieve. He achieved academic excellence and radiated positivity and a willingness to go the extra mile. He embodies the qualities that this award represents – a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep desire to contribute positively to society. Bosang is not just a student; he is a role model, and he undoubtedly deserves recognition for his outstanding accomplishments and the inspiration he provides to others." </p>
<p paraeid="{3d2f194e-955a-495e-b4f1-4a0db927845e}{53}" paraid="1294522975">In addition to his academic achievements, Bosang has brought a deeper understanding of his culture to his classmates, encouraging them to explore other cultures and ways of thinking. His warm and infectious energy has earned the admiration of his peers, who often seek his guidance. </p>
<p paraeid="{3d2f194e-955a-495e-b4f1-4a0db927845e}{63}" paraid="1978691930">Weston College wholeheartedly believes that Bosang deserves recognition for his exceptional accomplishments and that his story will continue to inspire others to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence in their own educational pursuits. His future in the Mental Health Nursing sector is undoubtedly bright, and the College looks forward to witnessing his continued success. </p>
<p><em>Cheyenne Smith has made incredible progress in just four years; battling back from numerous health problems and a bitter experience at school to earn a place at university. Here’s her inspirational story.</em></p>
<p>Four years ago, I finished school and failed all my GCSEs.</p>
<p>I’d always struggled with my anxiety and making friends in school – I was often badly bullied, mainly due to my disabilities.</p>
<p>I had mental and physical health problems growing up, which meant I could only attend school 50% of the time. Even when I was in, I found it difficult to concentrate because my mind was all over the place.</p>
<p>I got very little help and was made to believe I was a failure.</p>
<p>To get back into education and improve my confidence, I enrolled on an Extension Studies course at Weston College. We covered everything from catering, textiles, art, photography and, health and social care.</p>
<p>It was exactly what I needed after my experience of school and helped me get back on track.</p>
<p>Tammy, Residential Specialist Practitioner said “Cheyenne used this year to get used to the differences between school and college and develop her confidence and time management skills. During this time Cheyenne identified that she had an interest in caring and helping others.”</p>
<p>I decided to do a Health and Social Care Certificate in my second year. I got everything in on time and passed everything straight away, which showed how far I had come.</p>
<p>Tammy, Residential Specialist Practitioner said “during this level 2 course, Cheyenne attended different placements to develop her confidence in the work place.”</p>
<p>In my third year, I retook maths and English GCSEs and found it easier to understand the syllabus at College than I had at school. Maybe it was the teachers, how it was timetabled, or the College environment – I’m not sure, but it worked for me!</p>
<p>During an English GCSE class, a tutor from the Access to HE course came to speak to us about the course. I was instantly intrigued by progression opportunities it presented and, in my fourth year, decided to study the Social Sciences Access to HE programme.</p>
<p>Fast forward to the present day and here I’m now studying a Sociology degree at the University of the West of England.</p>
<p>I’ve fought incredibly hard to get to here and I can’t thank Weston College and my family enough for how they have helped me in these past four years.</p>
<p>Most people who knew the old me, would never have thought I’d become the person I am today. I have exceeded everyone expectations including my own – I feel extremely accomplished and proud that I’ve managed to get where I am today.</p>
<p>It wasn’t the easiest fight, but it was most definitely worth it. I was often tempted to quit – feeling that it was a constant fight – but I didn’t give up because I knew I could do more.</p>
<p>I hope my story it will inspire others who have had similar experiences. If the school system has failed you, don’t give up – and remember Albert Einstein’s words:</p>
<p>“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”</p>
<p>Sometimes you must fail in order to succeed, but you will get there in the end.</p>