Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds (old)
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
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Find Your Future Path
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.
Apprenticeships
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..
Professional 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 include exams, coursework and practical work.
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.
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.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@weston.ac.uk. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">At just 19, Ellie is already building a career shaped by travel, people, and new experiences. A former student of Weston College, she now works as a customer care agent at Bristol Airport while also spending her summers working at a camp in the United States. </p><p>In her role at the airport, Ellie supports passengers requiring special assistance, guiding them through check-in, security, and boarding, as well as assisting arrivals through customs. “This service allows air travel to be accessible for everyone and reduces stress,” she explains. With airport terminals continuing to expand, services such as wheelchair assistance have become increasingly vital for many passengers. </p><p>Across the Atlantic, her summer role offers a completely different pace. As a gymnastics counsellor, Ellie also took responsibility for a group of fourteen 11–12-year-olds, sharing a cabin and guiding them through daily activities. “Every day is different,” she says, highlighting evening “cabin circle time” as a favourite moment, where campers reflect on their day over cookies. “By the end of summer, they felt like my little besties.” </p><p>Ellie credits her time studying <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</a> at Weston College for sparking her passion for the industry. Initially drawn by a love of travel, the course opened her eyes to a wide range of career paths. “I always wanted to be a flight attendant,” she says, “but I realised there’s so much more out there.” </p><p>Her college experience also helped build confidence and practical skills, particularly in communication and customer service. A standout moment was a business enterprise project supporting Weston Hospicecare, which gave students hands-on insight into running a business while raising money for a local cause. </p><p>After leaving college, Ellie spent five months backpacking across Southeast Asia and Australia - an experience that further shaped her outlook. She is now preparing to return to the U.S. for another summer at camp, with future plans including volunteering in Africa and completing a ski season. </p><p>Her current role at Bristol Airport also stems directly from a college opportunity. After undertaking work experience arranged through the careers and employability team, Ellie and her peers were offered part-time roles. “It was a great job to have while studying and will look amazing on my CV,” she says. </p><p>For current students feeling uncertain about their future, Ellie offers simple but reassuring advice: “Try not to stress. Travelling has taught me that no one really has everything planned out.” </p><p>Looking back, she would tell her younger self the same thing she reminds herself today: “Everything is going to work out in the end.” </p><p>Her final message to students is clear: make the most of your time. “Enjoy it and take it all in - because it’s only two years, and it will be over before you know it.” </p><p> </p>
<p>On Thursday 26th March, learners at <strong>Weston Bay</strong> hosted an impressive <strong>Art Exhibition,</strong> named<strong> ‘Seeing Beneath the Surface’.</strong> The purpose of the exhibition was to celebrate the creativity, lived experiences, and self‑expression of our neurodiverse learners.</p><p>The exhibition transformed the Weston Bay building into a vibrant creative space and attracted an impressive turnout. Visitors explored rooms filled with diverse artwork, enjoyed a dedicated cinema room, and had the option to purchase food and drink. The pieces on display were created by learners as part of their curriculum, showcasing their exploration of a wide range of artistic practices, including weaving, photography, and mindfulness-inspired art.</p><p>The logo created for the exhibition features a subtle, faceless figure lifting away a mask to reveal a cluster of purple and green hydrangeas. The figure represents the pressure many of our learners feel to mask their authentic selves in wider society, contrasted with the space we create at Weston Bay where they can express themselves openly and confidently.</p><p>Hydrangeas are traditionally linked with heartfelt emotions and gratitude, reflecting the warmth and welcome our autistic learners experience within Weston College. The colour symbolism deepens this connection:</p><ul><li><em>Purple expresses a desire for deep understanding.</em></li><li><em>Green symbolises renewal and growth.</em></li></ul><p>Together, these elements capture the personal journeys, resilience, and identities of our students.</p><drupal-entity alt="Exhibition Poster" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0794a454-8e76-4f4e-8113-ef71c7df60bc" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p><strong>Armanda Costa, Lead Practitioner – Autism Residential and Employment Pathways,</strong> <em>“Yesterday’s Art exhibition at Weston Bay was a powerful reminder of how creativity can bring a community together. What stood out most was the neurodiversity of learners’ voices represented -each artwork offering a unique lens on identity, nature, and lived experience. Events like this don’t just showcase talent; they celebrate the spirit of Weston Bay, Weston College, and the people who shape it.</em></p><p><em>“Thank you to everyone who came along - especially the parents, local schools, Weston College staff, and colleagues - whose encouraging feedback meant so much.”</em></p><p><strong>Ned, Weston Bay learner, </strong><em>“We've been preparing for this for a whole term. My favourite part of the exhibition is seeing my performance on the screen and seeing James's reaction to my painting of him.”</em></p><p> </p>
<p>Weston College is proud to celebrate an exceptional achievement within its <strong>Law and Professional Services Faculty</strong>, with students attaining an impressive<strong> 95% pass rate</strong> in the recent <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law">… CPQ assessments.</a> This significantly surpasses the national average of 84%, highlighting both the dedication of our learners and the outstanding quality of teaching, support, and guidance provided throughout their studies.</p><p>This success reflects the College’s commitment to delivering high-quality legal education and nurturing future professionals within the legal sector. Our experienced lecturers and support teams work closely with students to ensure they are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their qualifications and beyond.</p><p>Weston College offers both <strong>Level 3</strong> and <strong>Level 6 CILEx programmes,</strong> designed to suit a range of learners at different stages of their career journey. Courses are available through flexible delivery options, including face-to-face teaching and remote learning, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.</p><p>For those choosing the apprenticeship pathway, learners benefit from the opportunity to earn while they learn. Apprentices gain valuable, hands-on experience within real legal environments, applying their knowledge in practice while receiving expert teaching during their time at Weston College. This combination of practical experience and academic learning provides a strong foundation for long-term career progression within the legal profession.</p><p>We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to supporting many more aspiring legal professionals in reaching their goals.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Student Testimonials:</strong></p><p> </p><p><em>“I have been completing my CILEX studies at Weston College over the last three years whilst working as a Conveyancer at a firm of solicitors. Over the last twelve months I have been attending the CILEX classroom sessions at Weston. The content that you need to cover the exam is broken down in weekly sessions so that each area can be covered in depth.</em></p><p><em>“The sessions are also planned out to include time for revision sessions, exam technique practice as well as the mock exams. The college have also provided all the lessons to be made available online which is extremely useful for revision purposes and in the event you can't make a specific classroom session. The overall teaching and delivery of the content is without fault.”</em></p><p>Ollie Wilson, Foot Anstey - Level 6 Chartered Legal Executive Apprentice</p><p> </p><p><em>“My experience in studying for CILEx Level 6 qualifications at Weston College has been excellent. My tutor in particular was extremely knowledgeable on the CILEx qualifications and was invaluable during preparation for exams. He puts in a huge amount of effort and I think I speak for all of my cohort in saying that we were extremely fortunate to have him involved in our education.”</em></p><p>James Dunster, Clarke Willmott Solicitors - Level 6 Graduate Fast Track</p><p> </p><p><em>“CILEx is a brilliant opportunity for people who do not want to go down the University route.</em></p><p><em>Since being a member of CILEx I have grown in confidence, the staff are so supportive and I really enjoy my time at College.</em></p><p><em>The main reason why I was so drawn to CILEx is that I work alongside my studies, so it is the best of both worlds.”</em></p><p>Daisy Sellick, Alletsons Solicitors - Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice</p><p> </p><p><em>“After finishing my History Degree I knew I wanted to get into Law but was wary of the cost involved with a conversion and LPC. After gaining sufficient work experience, I decided to consider other options and I am really grateful for the opportunity that CILEx has provided, enabling me to qualify whilst working full time.</em></p><p><em>“My employer is really supportive as they are able to get regular updates from the college and the course has benefited my role as a paralegal, enabling me to practice and draw parallels with what I’m learning. I’ve found the college to be both effective and flexible in their approach to teaching, providing extra support where necessary and detailed personal feedback on how I can improve. The online lectures and resources are also really helpful when it comes to revision for the exams. I know that if I had any queries or issues they would be answered speedily and I feel supported by the tutors. I look forward to continuing my studies with Weston College and eventually qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.”</em></p><p>Anna Kelly, Alletsons Solicitors - Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice</p><p> </p><p><em>“Having already been to 2 other colleges I can honestly say that Weston College is one of the best colleges in Somerset if not the South West. I am currently coming towards the end of my level 3 paralegal apprenticeship and everyone who has taught me teaches with passion and has a brilliant understanding about their subject area.”</em></p><p>Emily House, Acorn Solicitors - Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice</p><p> </p><p><em>“During my time at Weston College my Lecturers helped me develop my skills, widen my knowledge and gain confidence in myself. They went the extra mile to provide support where required.”</em></p><p>Daniel Lewis, Berry Redmond Gordon and Penney LLP - Level 3 Diploma</p><p> </p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjQpT20pxWs?si=Z8ZAWHaL1H63f8H9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </p>
