Creating brighter futures

Learners from Weston College picked up their GCSE Maths and English results this morning.

Each year Weston College welcomes a combination of new learners to the College and returning learners, to obtain the grade C/4 required to progress further in their education.

Learners demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance, proving that it is never too late to pursue academic excellence and unlock new opportunities.

These results are a huge cause for celebration, and go to show how Weston College supports its learners to achieve.

One of the tremendous success stories from the day, is Baylee, who moved to Weston to go to Weston College and gained her English GCSE:

“I am very happy with my results – and delighted to pass! I wouldn’t have been able to go to college, if it wasn’t for Weston College.

“Now that I have my GCSE in English, I am going on to study counselling, because I really want to help people, like people have helped me.”

Good luck to Baylee on her next step!

Reuben achieved a grade 9 in his English GCSE: “I am very shocked at my GCSE English result – I really didn’t think I would get this result, so I am extremely happy.

“This qualification will help me to achieve my long-term dream of being a music teacher or a music therapist.

“The staff at Weston College were really helpful. I have dyspraxia, so they supported me with getting a laptop, and using coloured paper which has made a big difference to me. I am so glad and thankful for the support I received.”

Good luck Reuben!

If you would like to find out more about our math and English courses, you can do so by clicking here.

The Board of Governors at Weston College is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacqui Ford as the new Acting Principal and Chief Executive, effective from September 1st, 2023. This appointment follows the exceptional leadership and legacy of Sir Paul Phillips CBE, who has steered the institution towards remarkable achievements over the past 22 years and who retires at the end of August 2023.

Jacqui Ford is a former recent Deputy Principal of Weston College and many in the Weston College community are familiar with Jacqui's dynamic leadership, which contributed significantly to the advancement of Adult Education, Partnerships, and the SEND curriculum during her tenure as Deputy Principal. With nearly two decades of collaboration alongside Sir Paul Phillips, and a wide remit of experience across many different curriculum areas, Jacqui embodies the same ethos and approach that has defined Weston College’s success, instilling a sense of confidence in the path that lies ahead.

The Governors have also worked collaboratively with the senior Weston College team to establish a robust acting management structure that builds upon strength from within the institution to support Jacqui in her new role. The guidance of Sir Paul has been instrumental in shaping this new management framework.

Since 2001, Weston College has thrived under the visionary leadership of Sir Paul Phillips CBE. The College has witnessed unprecedented growth, from a turnover of £8 million to an impressive £75 million, all achieved without mergers. Situated in the heart of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, Weston College stands as a beacon of excellence, offering education and vocational training to over 30,000 learners throughout the South West. This includes a diverse range of higher education courses through University Centre Weston, more than 50 distinct apprenticeships spanning from intermediate to degree level, and a robust presence in prisons across the South West region.

The Chair of the Governing Body reflected on the transformative impact of Sir Paul Phillips CBE's leadership, stating, "It has been a true honour to have had Sir Paul lead us as our Principal and Chief Executive. Under his guidance, Weston College has not only achieved 'Outstanding' status but has also garnered numerous prestigious awards and accolades that underscore its commitment to excellence. It is rare to see a college with both outstanding curriculum and finances.”

The Board of Governors wishes to express its pride in Weston College's continued expansion and articulates its optimism for the future. "With the announcement of Jacqui as our new Acting Principal and our exceptional staff, we are confident that we will continue to chart a course that focusses on our learners, employees, and the exciting skills agenda ahead.”

Weston College looks forward to embracing this new chapter under Jacqui Ford's leadership, honouring the legacy of Sir Paul Phillips CBE, and advancing its mission of providing excellence in education and vocational training by continuing to create brighter futures.

In a resounding testament to educational excellence, Weston College's T Level learners have achieved an extraordinary 100% pass rate this year – outshining the national pass rate of 90.5%.

T Levels, introduced as a new technical qualification pathway, emphasise a blend of classroom learning and practical experience, making Weston College's achievement even more noteworthy.

The achievement of a flawless pass rate is a reflection of the dedication put forth by students and the unwavering support provided by staff at Weston College.

Sandra Bull, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Cross College T Level Lead, at Weston College, said: “We are so proud of our T Level learners, and the amazing results that they have achieved – bucking the national trend!

“The results demonstrate the hard work and commitment of our students, staff and also the employer partners who play such an important role in the T Level journey for our learners.

“Our learners are now progressing onto their next stage, which looks different for each learner, with some progressing to university, some going on to complete degree apprenticeships and others going straight into their chosen industry.

“These results, and the feedback we are receiving, demonstrate the impact that T Levels can have and is having on creating the next generation of skilled employees for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.”

One of the driving forces behind this remarkable success is the college's emphasis on putting the learner first. Weston College is renowned for its student-centred approach, ensuring that each individual's unique strengths are harnessed and that support is on hand to support learners in any way that is needed. The dedicated teaching staff, equipped with a wealth of expertise, have played a pivotal role in shaping students into confident, knowledgeable professionals ready to make a meaningful impact.

Hear from some of the learners, and the impact T Levels has had on them, below.