This week, one of our Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services learners, Jess, is taking part in a Walk for Autism challenge where she will walk 10,000 steps a day for 8 days from 26th March – 2nd April, 80,000 steps in total, raising money for autism initiatives such as specialised projects, education, and social opportunities. 

The Walk for Autism challenge is a fundraising event that encourages participants to raise as much as they can, with a range of rewards to recognise their efforts. Those who raise £50 receive a wooden medal, while £125 earns a bronze medal and green wristband. Participants who reach £250 are awarded a silver medal and green wristband, and those raising £500 or more receive a gold medal and a yellow “legend” wristband. In addition, anyone who raises over £20 will receive a branded t-shirt to help promote the challenge and spread awareness for the cause. 

This charity provides more opportunities for people living with autism and their families. Jess is a young carer for her younger brother who is diagnosed with autism and other additional needs, therefore understands the challenges people with the diagnosis face. She is completing this challenge independently, working hard to raise money and give people with autism more opportunities and specialised support. 

Jess is currently completing the Uniformed Protective Services course which prepares her for these types of events, with many enduring expeditions, teamwork races, and extraneous training to encourage students to continue pushing themselves to their limits and take on challenges like this to raise awareness and money for great causes. 

Jess added, “I haven’t done this challenge before but I already know I will be doing it again in the future! Being a young carer means I see how people with autism see the world differently and I hope to raise as much money as possible to support more people like my brother and give them access to more opportunities. After college, my plan is to work in the Police Force to help people and educate others in the importance of considering additional needs and individual differences.” 

This is a fantastic initiative that Jess is taking part in, making her a role model to her peers and encourages others across the college to participate in challenges like this wherever possible. Good luck Jess! 

If you’d like to donate to Jess’ Walk for Autism challenge, click here. 

Weston College has successfully retained its ISO/IEC 27001 certification for the seventh consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to keeping the data of learners, staff and partners safe. 

ISO/IEC 27001 is the international benchmark for information security, and holding this certification places the College among a small number of further education providers in the UK recognised for meeting these rigorous standards. 

Following an independent assessment by a UKAS-accredited body, the College has once again demonstrated that strong safeguards are in place to protect personal, sensitive and confidential information - giving confidence to everyone who studies, works with or partners with Weston College. 

Matt Beaver, Director of IT, Data & Compliance, said: 

“Successfully completing our annual ISO/IEC 27001 assessment provides independent assurance that Weston College continues to manage information security risks to the highest standards of best practice. As one of a very small number of further education colleges to hold this certification, we are demonstrating a clear and ongoing commitment to protecting the data entrusted to us.” 

From secure systems and robust processes to ongoing staff awareness and training, protecting data is embedded across the College. This latest milestone highlights Weston College’s continued focus on staying secure, resilient and trusted in an increasingly digital world.

This month, Weston College celebrated Raising and Giving (RAG) Week with the theme of the Wild West. The themed event gave everyone the chance to organise games, activities, and raffles in support of two incredible charities: Weston Hospicecare and UNICEF. 

Weston Hospicecare provides vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, while also offering essential emotional support to their families. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) operates in over 190 countries, working to protect children’s rights through initiatives such as vaccinations, education, access to food and clean water, and safeguarding. 

Throughout the week, students from across the college took part in a wide variety of fundraising activities, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and community spirit. RAG Week is held annually at colleges across the UK and is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved, have fun, and make a difference ahead of the exam season. 

Our SEND learners played a huge role in the week’s success, hosting an exciting lineup of events including a dance-a-thon, Mario Kart tournaments, Buckaroo and Pony Club racing, karaoke sessions, and even a Wild West-themed bar serving snacks and drinks. Their energy and commitment were outstanding, with multiple events taking place each day. 

Other curriculum areas also embraced the challenge, with Construction students going above and beyond by selling scrap wood and organising a raffle featuring high-quality tools. Across the college, staff and students fully embraced the theme, dressing up in cowboy hats, bandanas, and plenty of denim. The Student Engagement Team added to the atmosphere by selling themed accessories, helping to raise additional funds while encouraging participation. 

Protective Services students also organised an impressive 30-mile Wild West-themed stretcher relay challenge along the seafront. This provided a great opportunity for students to have fun, stay active, and support two meaningful causes, as well as prepare them for the upcoming Ten Tors Challenge and future careers in the Protective Services industry.  

A highlight of the week was the college-wide raffle, which included a range of popular prizes such as day passes and tickets to local attractions, including restaurants, cinemas, and activity centres. Bake sales were also held to boost fundraising efforts. 

Other curriculum areas across the college also got involved, with Early Years students enjoying a pyjama day, while Business and Travel students organised a games afternoon and football match. Health and Social Care and Sport students hosted a Nerf gun tin can alley and a rodeo rush event, and Digital students led a Pokémon GO raid walk through Weston-super-Mare town centre. 

Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus, creating an exciting, inclusive, and impactful celebration of community and charity. In total, RAG Week raised an impressive amount for Weston Hospicecare and UNICEF. 

Thank you to everyone who organised events, took part, or made a donation. Your support made the week such a success and helped raise an incredible amount for these important causes.

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.