<p>We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of&nbsp;<strong>William Palmer</strong>, a former <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Art &amp; Design</a> student at Weston College, who has been recognised with the top award at London Fashion Week. William was honoured with the prestigious&nbsp;<strong>L'Oréal Professional Creative Award</strong>&nbsp;for his MA show at the renowned&nbsp;<strong>Central Saint Martins (CSM)</strong>.<o:p></o:p></p><p>William’s exceptional talent and creative vision shone through at the&nbsp;<strong>Central Saint Martins MA Fashion press show</strong>, where his work captivated the industry’s leading figures. The winners were selected by none other than&nbsp;<strong>Yu Masui</strong>, the eccentric Japanese influencer and talent scout for the esteemed&nbsp;<strong>LVMH Prize</strong>, further solidifying William’s place among fashion’s rising stars.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Since his Foundation year at Weston College, William has built on that knowledge and had a lot of experience with products before landing a place at&nbsp;<strong>CSM</strong>. He was hired by&nbsp;<strong>Dover Street Market</strong>&nbsp;to produce collections for&nbsp;<strong>Gosha Rubchinskiy</strong>&nbsp;and later oversaw the product development of brands under the Dover Street Market Paris umbrella, such as&nbsp;<strong>Vaquera</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Olly Shinder</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>ERL</strong>.<o:p></o:p></p><p>During the show, William was one of the very few who showed clothes that could be immediately sold on a shop floor, including an oversized duffle coat, a check shirt, and a trench coat.<o:p></o:p></p><p>It was a fun collection, too. “I took the tongue-in-cheek attitude of lad culture, subverting it through funny fabrics, like the tea towels, and the teacup hats. I use humour a lot also. I drew parallels between adolescence and adulthood. I’m trying to make a more playful, carefree type of guy. The world would be better for everyone,” William added.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Three of William&apos;s designs on models: 1 in a large, oversized duffle coat, 1 tea towel flannel shirt and a teacup hat, and 1 in a brown coat and a hoodie jumpsuit&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47299540-b2e8-4281-aee3-facf3cca9cb4" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p><em>Image courtesy of Women's Wear Daily</em></p><p>The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Art &amp; Design</a> course at Weston College provided William with the skills and techniques required to get into Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London, saying, “My pre-degree course provided me with essential foundational skills, basic knowledge, and the opportunity to develop a portfolio that ultimately helped me secure further studies.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p><p>It was during my A-Level studies at Weston College that I first discovered my drive to pursue fashion design. Following that, I enrolled in an Art Foundation course, which became one of my most memorable years. Surrounded by a diverse group of creatives from various backgrounds, I had the chance to specialize in fashion for the first time. This focused approach allowed me to take my passion seriously, equipping me with the skills and confidence to continue my studies in London.<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>Rachel Clayton</strong>, William's former tutor at&nbsp;<strong>Weston College's Foundation Art &amp; Design</strong>&nbsp;programme, shared his pride: "William's dedication and innovative approach were evident from the start. I am over the moon to see him receive such a distinguished honour. His journey from a dedicated <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Art &amp; Design</a> learner at Weston College to receiving one of the most coveted accolades in the fashion industry is truly inspiring. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, passion, and innovative approach to fashion design.”<o:p></o:p></p><p>His former tutors and everyone at Weston College are incredibly proud of this remarkable milestone in his career. We look forward to seeing his continued success and influence in the fashion world.<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… you are interested in applying to our UAL Foundation Art &amp; Design course, click here.</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>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&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>. 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.</strong><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Students from various subjects, including </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">,&nbsp;came together to host a memorable Christmas Fair this holiday season, raising funds for Weston Hospice Care. With festive games, delicious treats, and heart-warming activities, the event brought together the public, students, and staff for a day filled with joy, fun, and community spirit.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This event was publicised to local charities, hospices and care homes to bring them together this Christmas and get them in the festive spirit. All our games and activities were made to be accessible and inclusive so some of our guests gave our Christmas games a go and won a handful of chocolates.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners played a significant role in making the Christmas fair a success. The day featured free festive games for both the staff and the visitors, including&nbsp;throwing 'snowballs’ at reindeer cups, magnetic darts, Christmas bingo, and hoop toss onto reindeer antlers. Guests also enjoyed arts and crafts sessions with pipe cleaners, pompoms, wreath kits, and colouring activities, alongside unique handmade ornaments created by Art and Design learners.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Resident throwing a snowball at reindeer cups&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16e3fc70-d10c-4d15-9be7-2f95dfa60808" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The event offered something for everyone: a lively ‘Strictly Just Dance’ session judged by students, yoga, accessible walking football, and running football. The tombola and raffle raised money with its abundance of prizes, while the Craft Café served tea, coffee, cakes, and savoury bites. Guests could also get tinselled hair and enjoy live performances by Music students, set to a soundtrack of classic Christmas tunes.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;3 learners with raffle prizes selling raffle tickets&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9db52e2-c1ba-4adc-832d-f785af5b0197" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students and residents playing Christmas Bingo&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f948fbf-a6a6-4ee0-a581-9b9c99ecc027" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Music learner singing and playing the guitar to an audience&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17110a45-e6fa-4566-abdf-b6dc8c47fa3c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Christmas Fair was dedicated to raising funds for Weston Hospice Care, with proceeds from raffles, the tombola, handmade ornaments, and donations supporting the hospice’s vital work. Residents and staff from Weston Hospice Care, Acer House, Orchard House, and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston attended, adding to the festive atmosphere. Special guests included the Mayor of Weston-Super-Mare and, of course, Santa Claus himself.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">One of our guests, Laura, said, “it was a very enjoyable morning. My favourite part of the day was the young man playing the guitar.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The entire event was made even more festive as students and staff wore Christmas jumpers and accessories, creating a cheerful and welcoming environment. Learners enthusiastically led activities and engaged with visitors, ensuring smiles and laughter filled the day. It was a celebration of togetherness and a wonderful way to support a meaningful cause during the holiday season.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learners with Christmas photo props&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31565b3d-8e40-4da6-b6b8-38c3b171328b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thank you to everyone who attended our Christmas Fair and celebrated the festive season with us, and thank you to our learners for stepping up and helping with the event.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, or </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses next September, click here.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Recently, we welcomed Boris Zamba from the band Voodoo Ramble to the Michael Eavis Suite at Loxton Campus, performing live alongside The Blue Horizon, one of our very own alumni bands. Together, these two groups merged elements of the UK blues scene with Croatian influences, offering our Year 2 cohort of Level 3 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…, Film, and Creative Production</u></a> students the chance to develop their skills in a real-world setting through live performance and hands-on music production.&nbsp;</p><p>The TV, Film, and Creative Production students were immersed in numerous performance-making opportunities, while also showcasing their expertise by capturing footage of the event. Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… and Commercial Photography</u></a> students documented every moment, working collaboratively to curate a fully produced live album and video, demonstrating their technical skills and artistic talent.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;music student producing live album&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a50988f6-33fd-4cb6-b2c6-904cdf5afd0f" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_900x900&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Blue Horizon anchored the rhythm section, supported by two of our Music students on backing vocals. This performance was a remarkable success, featuring dynamic collaboration led by music legend Boris Zamba on guitar and lead vocals. Despite facing some unexpected technical challenges, the students demonstrated resilience and professionalism, earning praise from the audience and guest performers alike.&nbsp;</p><p>Jade Hicks, our Head of Performance and Production, reflected on the experience: “This project has been an exceptional opportunity for students to learn the end-to-end process of creating a commercial release.” She emphasised that students gained invaluable industry skills, including “technical setup, live sound engineering, visual capture, and post-production.”&nbsp;</p><p>The event showcased phenomenal performances by the music students, The Blue Horizon, and Boris Zamba. Through this practical industry experience, students not only enhanced their confidence in performing but also opened doors for future networking opportunities in their musical journeys.&nbsp;</p><p>This partnership forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>To see more about our Creative Arts courses, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds-creat… here</u></a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>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&nbsp;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.</strong></p>