Weston College has a wide range of courses to suit all learning styles
Weston College is an award-winning college of further and higher education in Weston-super-Mare. It provides education and vocational training to nearly 30,000 learners across the country.
We put the learner first and are entrepreneurial in our approach and innovative in our thinking. As a college, we are ambitious and aspirational and are responsive to the needs of students, staff, businesses, and the community.
Latest News
There is always so much going on across our various campuses and courses. Stay up to date on our latest news.
Not every young person follows a straight path after school.
For some, education hasn't always been the right fit. Others may be unsure about their next steps, have lost confidence, or need extra support before progressing into further study or work.
That's where Weston College's new NEET Prevention and Engagement provision comes in.
Created to support young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who are at risk of becoming disengaged, the team provides personalised pathways designed to help learners rebuild confidence, develop essential skills and take meaningful steps towards their future.
At the heart of the provision is the new Future Ready programme, a supportive and flexible route for young people who aren't quite ready to move directly into a vocational course but who have the potential to thrive with the right encouragement and guidance.
Based across Weston College's Loxton, Knightstone and South West Skills campuses, learners are supported by dedicated tutors and pastoral teams who help them identify realistic goals and build the confidence to achieve them.
The programme is built around three simple stages: Ready to Learn, Ready for Life and Ready for Work.
Along the way, learners develop English and maths skills, gain employability experience, take part in enrichment activities and explore different vocational areas before deciding on their next step.
Charlotte Hynes, Head of NEET Prevention and Engagement, said: “We know that every young person's journey is different. For some, the traditional route through education hasn't worked, while others simply need time, support and guidance to discover what's possible. Our role is to help learners rebuild confidence, develop the skills they need and create a clear pathway towards further education, employment or training.
“We believe no young person should feel left behind, and this new provision is all about helping them realise their potential and take positive steps towards their future.”
Weston College is also a trusted delivery partner for the Kings Trust, and the NEET Prevention and Engagement team will continue offer the Kings Trust programmes, Team and Achieve.
If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact the team by clicking here.
Throughout the spring term, Weston College welcomed employers from a wide range of industries to a series of Employer Forums, continuing its commitment to ensuring students develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers need most. By listening directly to employers, the College can continue to adapt and enhance its curriculum, ensuring courses remain relevant, future-focused and aligned with the needs of the local and regional economy.
This collaborative approach plays a key role in preparing students for successful careers while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need for the future.
Over the spring season, forums were held across a range of industries, including:
Travel and Tourism Forum at Bristol Airport
The Travel and Tourism Employer Forum brought together industry partners to discuss the future of the sector and ensure Weston College's curriculum continues to meet employer needs. Discussions focused on the importance of digital skills, professional behaviours and workplace readiness, alongside opportunities to expand industry placements and employer engagement. Attendees also heard from Bristol Airport about its ambitious expansion plans and the significant career opportunities these developments will create across the region.
The Project Management Employer Forum focused on strengthening the link between education and industry, with discussions centred around the introduction of a new AI & Data in Projects module, due to become a key part of the curriculum. Employers welcomed the focus on AI, data analysis and Microsoft Excel skills, while highlighting the importance of preparing both learners and workplaces to apply these skills effectively.
The forum also explored the rollout of new apprenticeship units, funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, and gathered valuable employer feedback to help shape future project management training and ensure learners develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving industry.
The Health and Social Care Employer Forum brought together employers to discuss curriculum development, workforce priorities and the future of healthcare education. Key discussions included the introduction of new qualifications, enhancing learner safety through lone working and personal safety training, and plans to relaunch the Health Care Academy for learners aged 14 and above.
Employers also helped shape future training by identifying skills gaps in areas such as mental health, therapy and public health, while highlighting the importance of clear communication, effective apprenticeship support and stronger collaboration between education providers and healthcare employers.
Discussions focused on the growing demand for skills in sound, production management, animation, and storytelling, alongside the increasing importance of streaming, digital content, and immersive technologies within the sector. Taking place in the new college podcast suite, the advisory board also explored new opportunities for employer engagement, guest lectures, podcasting projects, and industry-led experiences to better prepare learners for careers in the creative industries.
The Construction Employer Forum focused on strengthening collaboration between employers and the College to ensure learners are equipped with the skills needed for the industry. Discussions covered T Levels, industry placements, apprenticeship and higher education pathways, and the importance of guest speakers, site visits and employer engagement in enhancing the learner experience.
Employers highlighted key priorities including health and safety, communication, workplace readiness and digital skills, while also identifying opportunities to better align recruitment timelines, curriculum delivery and employer involvement to support learners' progression into the construction sector.
Engineering Forum at Oxford Instruments
The Engineering Employer Forum brought together Weston College and industry partners to discuss updates on apprenticeships, assessor processes and the development of the AMTEC campus. Key discussions focused on improving communication, simplifying onboarding processes, supporting learner progress and preparing for the upcoming academic year, including timetable updates and additional assessor recruitment.
Employers also received updates on Smart Assessor training, apprenticeship units in areas such as AI leadership, green energy and advanced manufacturing, and plans to ensure a smooth transition to AMTEC while continuing to provide high-quality training and support for learners.
The College also continued its engagement with employers through Professional Studies in partnership with Somerset Chamber of Commerce, while Sport & Fitness representatives attended SIMSPA events to strengthen industry links. Sixth Form teams also worked closely with employers to support Progression Week, encouraging businesses to engage directly with students and share valuable career insights.
Weston College would like to thank every employer who contributed to the spring forums. Their expertise, insight and ongoing collaboration are invaluable in helping shape the College's curriculum and ensuring students leave ready to make a positive impact in their chosen industries.
Representatives from Weston College Group attended the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, strengthening relationships with leading employers and exploring the latest innovations shaping the future of aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing.
Over two days, members of the College's Strategic Partnerships team met with key industry leaders, including Airbus, ADS South West and a range of employers from across the aerospace and manufacturing supply chain. Discussions focused on developing new partnerships and creating opportunities that will support learners at the College's new Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre (AMTEC), which opens this September.
The visit highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement across the sector and reinforced Weston College's commitment to ensuring learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experiences required to succeed in future-facing careers.
Tracie Leahy, Programme Director TEC and National Partnerships at Weston College Group, said:
"Farnborough International Airshow provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the world's leading aerospace and engineering organisations. As we prepare to open AMTEC, these conversations are invaluable in helping us understand the evolving needs of industry and ensuring our curriculum remains relevant, responsive, and ambitious.
"Our employer partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. By working alongside industry leaders, we can create meaningful opportunities for learners and help develop the highly skilled workforce that the sector needs for the future."
The visit included exclusive tours of the Emirates Airbus A350, the Airbus A400M, and a range of exhibits showcasing cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the aerospace and manufacturing industries.
Lynsey McKinstry, Skills Partnership Manager Weston College Group, added:
"Attending an event of this scale reinforces the importance of aligning education with industry. Seeing aircraft that our learners help to manufacture through our employer partnerships in Filton was a proud moment and a powerful reminder of the impact further education can have on people's lives and careers.
"AMTEC represents a major investment in the future of technical education in the South West, and opportunities like this help ensure our learners benefit from the very latest industry insight, innovation and employer engagement."
Key discussions throughout the event focused on future skills requirements, sustainability, digital technologies and strengthening pathways into high-value careers across aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The visit supports Weston College Group's commitment to connecting learners with world-class employers through its Careers Excellence Hubs, employer partnership network and industry-led curriculum. As the College prepares to launch AMTEC, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 provided a valuable platform to build relationships, identify emerging trends and ensure learners are equipped to thrive in one of the UK's most innovative and rapidly evolving sectors.
The opening of AMTEC this September marks a significant milestone for technical education in the South West, creating new opportunities for learners to gain the specialist skills that employers need today and in the future.
CAREERS NOT COURSES
We know it’s not about the course you take, but the career you’ll start your journey towards. Your study programme is built from the ground up with your future in mind, focussing on employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career within your chosen industry, making connections and gaining experiences through local and national employers we work with:
As a Weston College student, you will become part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs.
This means our courses aren't just courses... your study programme is built from the ground up with your future in mind, focussing on employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career within your chosen industry...
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INDUSTRY STANDARD FACILITIES
INCREDIBLE WORK-BASED OPPORTUNITIES
AMAZING GUEST LECTURES
COURSES ENDORSED BY EMPLOYERS
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"The college organised lots of amazing experiences for us with specialist guest lectures on sepsis, home care, nutrition and bee therapy"
Chloe
Health and Social Care, Level 2 & 3
