GUIDE TO JOINING WESTON COLLEGE
Welcome school leavers!
Hopefully by now you've come along to an open evening to learn more about the courses and student life at Weston College. (If not, register for our next open event here)
Ready to apply? - CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED
Unsure whether to apply? - Here’s what Weston College has to offer:
- Literally hundreds of different courses, across 30 different subject areas - including our dedicated Sixth Form Centre.
- Different learning styles – more exams, less exams, a mixture of classroom and placements, or earning while you’re learning in the workplace.
- Fantastic facilities
- Lecturers with industry experience
- A range of transport options from across the region – including dedicated buses.
Want to know more? - Contact us on 01934 411411 or schoolteam@weston.ac.uk
Ready to apply? Still got questions?
We've answered your FAQs below!
To secure your place, we recommend all school leavers apply BEFORE Christmas.
If you're undecided on what to apply for, apply for multiple programmes - Nothing is set in stone until you enrol!
You might be waiting for a career advice session from your school. If this is the case, we'd recommend applying anyway and then if there are any changes you wish to make afterwards, you're more than welcome to do so after Christmas! The important thing is getting your application in as soon as possible.
Once you apply you'll be invited to a virtual interview where we'll talk about your aspirations, goals and help decide which course is best for you.
Head to www.weston.ac.uk/courses. From here, make your way to the subject area that interests you most and then the course you'd like to apply for. Click Apply to add it to your basket. Once you've added all the potential programmes you'd like to apply for, you'll then be able to "check out" and complete the form.
Yes! Nothing is set in stone until you enrol in summer 2024. Your place will be secured by applying and accepting your place, but you can still enrol onto a different course if you change your mind.
If you're unsure whether you'll get the required entry requirements for the level you'd like to apply for, don't panic! When you apply, you're applying for the subject area (e.g. Sport) instead of the specific course with a level. This is so that, depending on your results, you can then be enrolled onto the right course level. So essentially, it doesn't matter just yet, just apply for the course you'd like to aim for.
Here's how to apply for one of our courses
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.
Check out A-Levels HereApprenticeships
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..
Check out Apprenticeships HereProfessional 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
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.
Check out Traineeships Here
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.
Check out T-Levels Here
Levels Explained
We offer a huge range of courses at varying levels. The level you study will depend on your previous achievements and qualifications.
For example, if you have no formal qualifications, an entry or Level 1 course is likely to be most appropriate. Or, if you're coming to College after gaining five GCSEs at grade 4/C and above, a Level 2 or 3 course - such as A Levels, an Extended Diploma or an intermediate apprenticeship - will be a natural progression.
So, if you're unsure what level is right for you, what qualifications you require for a particular level of study, and what skill level you can expect to gain, then please use the guide on the right of this page (or below if you're on mobile).
These pre-vocational programmes are an introduction to a wide range of options in order for you to make an informed choice regarding your chosen vocational area.
DURATION - 1 to 3 YEARS
REQUIREMENTS
For those with no formal qualifications or who have GCSE outcomes at grade 2 and below. Ideal for learners who might need a differentiated programme of training, and where support may be needed to successfully access learning at a higher level.
PROGRESSION
You can progress to one or a combination of the
following:
• Higher level programmes such as Level 1
• Supported internships
• Employment
• Independent living
Level 1 study programmes develop the key skills and learning behaviours necessary for you to successfully progress to a level 2 programme, traineeship or apprenticeship. They provide a particular focus on maths, English and personal development skills.
DURATION - 1 YEAR
REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 3-1, with at least two at grade 3, or the successful completion of a pre-vocational programme or entry level programme after pre-vocational.
PROGRESSION
With this level of qualification you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2. Options include:
• Technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates
and NVQs at level 2
• Transition to T Level Programme
• Intermediate apprenticeships
Level 2 study programmes equip you with the skills you need for a specific career. You will start to specialise in the areas you find most interesting but the qualifications are still broad enough to give you a wide range of progression opportunities if you’re not sure what you’d like to do in the future.
DURATION - 1 YEAR
REQUIREMENTS
A minimum 5 GCSE grade 9-2 with at least two at grade 4 or a qualifying Level 1 qualification with identified competence level achieved in maths and English.
PROGRESSION
With this level of qualification you could move onto a Level 3 study programme, into a job with training, or an apprenticeship at Level 3. Options include:
• A Levels
• T Levels
• Advanced apprenticeship
Level 3 study programmes usually last one or two years, and offer more specialised, advanced learning which give you the skills and knowledge to progress directly into a job, a higher apprenticeship or university level course.
DURATION - 2 YEARS
REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 5 GCSE grade 9-4 or a qualifying Level 2 qualification with identified competence level achieved in maths and English. Please note that some of our level 3 qualifications have additional entry criteria. All of these can be found on the programme’s webpage.
PROGRESSION
With this level of qualification you could progress into skilled employment or a range of further study options such as:
• Foundation Degrees (Level 4)
• Bachelor Degrees (Level 5/6)
• Higher and Degree apprenticeships (From Level 4)
• HNDs (Level 4)
• Professional qualifications at level 4 and above
University Centre Weston (UCW) offers around 50 degree level courses.
