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Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds

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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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 Here

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..

 

Check out Apprenticeships Here

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.

 

Check out Traineeships Here

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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

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

students at albert and victoria museum of fashion and photography

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Our Fashion, Photography, and Art students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the renowned Victoria and Albert Museum (V&amp;A) in Knightsbridge, London, where they immersed themselves in the world of fashion and photography. The group explored the iconic career of supermodel Naomi Campbell, whose exhibition at the V&amp;A showcased a collection of works by some of the world’s top designers and photographers. The exhibition also highlighted Naomi’s significant activism and her cultural impact.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;students standing outside victoria and albert museum in london&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73af149f-eb37-430a-afd5-3051f6247da7" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>In addition to the Naomi Campbell exhibition, the students visited the Fragile Beauty exhibition, which featured a remarkable collection of photographs owned by Elton John. This collection included works from some of the most respected photographers in the industry, covering themes of fashion, celebrity, reportage, and the male body. The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for the learners to explore contemporary and modern photography and how it intersects with fashion and society.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;students at albert and victoria museum of fashion and photography&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="361b93ec-843f-4ce6-810c-4f5acb07248b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>The trip was led by Nicola Stent, Samantha Gilraine, and Dan Wheatley, who were all impressed by the students’ engagement and enthusiasm throughout the day. Nicola Stent shared her thoughts on the experience, saying, “It was an absolute joy to witness the learners gather inspiration, capture their own photography during the visit, and develop their creative ideas. The students truly showcased their talent, and it’s clear they are on a path to success. They represented Weston College exceptionally well, and we are excited for the next creative visit.”&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;students at albert and victoria museum of fashion and photography&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7276bd77-9004-4b54-a5b3-06e5f3405535" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>This insightful and exciting visit to the V&amp;A provided a wealth of inspiration for the learners, offering them the chance to explore the intersection of art, fashion, and photography at one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">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 find out about what A Level subject courses we have to offer, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… click 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 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>

Learners taking photos

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last month, two of our talented </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; target="_blank">Level 3 Media</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners, Leo and Jack, and two of our amazing </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; target="_blank">Level 3 Photography</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners, Harrison and Ethan, showcased their skills at the World Combat Arts Ring Warrior competition in Bristol. This exciting event gave the students a chance to capture the intense action through photography and videography, providing invaluable real-world experience in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Media and Photography learners, Ethan, Harrison, Jack and Leo standing smiling&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="949b733c-6093-4713-9460-9a4267004c3d" 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;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners attended a pre-briefing led by event organisers where were given a walkthrough of the arena, informed about restricted areas, and briefed on the expectations for their behaviour and professionalism. Mel Edmonds, one of our media lecturers who accompanied the learners, emphasised the importance of this opportunity to understand industry standards and working in a professional environment.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">"The students were absolutely brilliant, respectful, and professional," said Mel.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The competition featured a thrilling mix of kickboxing and boxing matches. The students were positioned so close to the action that they experienced the raw intensity of the sport. Despite the chaotic environment, they maintained their focus, regularly checking their footage and equipment to ensure everything was intact and accounted for.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners worked seamlessly as a team, constantly supporting and checking in on one another. They also had the chance to collaborate with Alex Romanov, a professional photographer based in Swindon, further enriching their learning experience.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Their professionalism didn’t go unnoticed. The event organisers were so impressed that they asked the students to leave their contact details for future opportunities. The learners made it a point to thank everyone for the chance to participate, shaking hands with key stakeholders and leaving a lasting impression.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The students documented the event with both photos and videos, capturing the raw emotions and energy of the matches. The photos told a vivid story of the day, reflecting the highs and lows of the fighters' journeys.</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Action shot of a punch taken by the learners during a boxing match&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7297185-5f98-42f4-81f2-bc0565e5d246" 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;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Mel’s connections with the event organisers made this a safe and constructive space for the students to learn and grow over the past two and a half years, ensuring they gain hands-on experience in real-world environments and network with industries early on. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“This was a fantastic opportunity for the learners to meet clients, network, understand expectations, and practice professionalism while working in a team,” Mel added.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The students’ enthusiasm, punctuality, and dedication were evident throughout the event. Their efforts not only enhanced their portfolios but also opened doors to future opportunities in the industry. The experience underscored the importance of practical learning and the value of forging industry connections.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">As we continue to nurture the next generation of media and photography professionals, events like these highlight our commitment to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We’d like to say a big thank you to World Combat Arts for giving our students the opportunity to further their knowledge and put their skills into practice.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in joining one of our Media or Photography courses next September, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p>

Learners standing around a JCB digger

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Recently, a group of our year 1 </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…; target="_blank">Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners took to Birmingham to visit the UK Construction Week event at the National Exhibition Centre.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This event is the UK’s largest built environment trade show, where construction professionals can explore the latest innovations, gain insights from across the industry and network with their peers, with over three leading brands being displayed.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Learners were shown a variety of different products and materials, including electric diggers, fireproof materials, turnstiles, health and safety equipment and much more. This allowed the students to get a feel for everything, discover the international exhibitors’ products, and meet lots of new people.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learners talking to industry professionals at stalls&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40545782-5523-4c61-a022-1f1373e37d78" 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;">On top of this, there were also several gifts and freebies available from many of the stalls, including items like pens, pads, bags, tool kits, t-shirts, hats and caps, as well as a selection of sweets and chocolates which kept the excitement going throughout the day!&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">All the learners actively engaged with everyone, talking to stall holders and asking questions regarding their products. The stall holders explained their exhibitions in detail to the students and were very impressed with our learners and the intuitive questions and incites they had.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learner trying out a product from one of the stalls&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9f7e422-4fd6-47af-a55e-613852b5c3ba" 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;">Daniel Comerford, a Construction lecturer at Weston College, said, “All of the learners on the trip had a great time at the show and enjoyed talking to all the different companies that were exhibiting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This improved their communication skills but also taught them about new and emerging products and technologies within the UK Construction Industry.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This day acted as a good introduction for their Construction T Level as it gave them a better understanding of not only the different available pathways they could enter, but also the existing companies and opportunities that they could experience both during their time at college and after. It also allowed the students to get to know each other better and work with peers that they may not have previously had the chance to get to know.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Overall, the learners learnt a lot about new products and emerging technologies. They also got the chance to improve their professional skills by communicating with industry professionals and network with them for possible opportunities in the future.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying to our Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning T Level in September, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p>

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Important Notice

Please be aware that due to a recent announcement by the Department for Education, the list of available courses for the academic year starting in September 2025 may not be finalised until December 2024. This follows the launch of a government review of qualifications, including BTECs and other applied general qualifications. The purpose of this review is to assess how best to improve the quality of the overall qualifications landscape and ensure that all young people and adults have high-quality options that meet their needs and may mean that some qualifications under review may not be available from September 2025.

We encourage you to still apply for the courses you are interested in now, and we will provide further updates as soon as the review is complete and the course offerings for 2025 and beyond are confirmed. We will communicate this to all students who have applied by this stage, and also provide updates on our website and social media channels. We understand this uncertainty may be disruptive and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of Government review, please be reassured that we are planning for all outcomes and are in no doubt that whatever the results of the review, we will be able to provide you with the right qualification and pathway to support you with your career goals and next steps.