<p paraeid="{bb51a2f5-0bbe-4c92-bbc7-231b8acb99d6}{173}" paraid="725993375">We are so thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of a Weston College Fashion and Textiles A Level learner, Tom, who recently completed an exciting work experience opportunity at the renowned tailoring establishment <a href="https://www.anderson-sheppard.co.uk/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Anderson &amp; Sheppard</a> on Savile Row, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{bb51a2f5-0bbe-4c92-bbc7-231b8acb99d6}{199}" paraid="1287351323">Tom's journey to this exceptional experience began with his proactive approach. He took the initiative to contact Anderson &amp; Sheppard, a 117-year-old tailoring house located at Mayfair’s historic No. 32 Old Burlington Street. Tom reached out to the Managing Director and, after careful consideration of his CV, he was granted the opportunity to participate in a day of hands-on learning on July 11th.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{bb51a2f5-0bbe-4c92-bbc7-231b8acb99d6}{227}" paraid="185259735">During his time at Anderson &amp; Sheppard, Tom delved into the intricate world of tailoring, gaining insights into various aspects of the craft. He told us, "I began with the trimmer, who taught me about his role within the business: ordering and stock-checking in all materials...We then assembled what is called a tailor’s parcel, which contained the threads, facing felt, buttons, zippers and buckles rolled in the suiting patterns that had been cut and then wrapped in the canvas.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{bb51a2f5-0bbe-4c92-bbc7-231b8acb99d6}{253}" paraid="1518003692">Throughout the day, Tom had the privilege of working with skilled tailors, including both the trouser cutter and jacket cutter. He even had the chance to try on a piece of history – Daniel Craig’s electric pink velvet jacket, worn on the red carpet at the 2021 James Bond Premier. Tom told us how excited he was to spend the day somewhere with such rich history, with the most iconic clientele such as Fred Astaire, Charlie Chaplin, Laurence Olivier, and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{b88d5ba6-0115-4924-91e1-9ff0890a2fe4}{20}" paraid="505641237">Reflecting on the experience, Tom emphasised the significance of his time at Anderson &amp; Sheppard for his future pursuits. "This experience has introduced me to the fundamentals of tailoring and all the materials involved. My hope is that with a few more visits, I can take measurements and draft an exquisite jacket. My next step is to begin enrolment on the University of the West of England’s BA Fashion course, local to me this autumn."&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{b88d5ba6-0115-4924-91e1-9ff0890a2fe4}{42}" paraid="1639355408">Tom also shared advice for fellow Fashion and Textiles learners: "Fashion’s a harsh game. But so long as one is prepared to carry on and go out to new places, meet new people, and learn new things, even without having any confidence, the world is your oyster."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f415bf94-75e9-42f1-b22b-669c75b7df89}{194}" paraid="1378734704" xml:lang="EN-GB">Throughout his time at Weston College, Tom has demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion – continuously investing in his future in the fashion industry. He even hosted his very own debut fashion show, which featured 15 bespoke looks designed and styled by him. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/fashion-learner-organises-exclusive-fashi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{4fc7c0c4-b4c4-4146-be6f-ddd6219d5015}{75}" paraid="1582794661" xml:lang="EN-GB">We commend Tom for his dedication, enthusiasm, and proactive approach, which led to this remarkable opportunity. We are confident that his experience at Anderson &amp; Sheppard will continue to shape his journey in the world of fashion and textiles, and we eagerly anticipate the future accomplishments that lie ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{b88d5ba6-0115-4924-91e1-9ff0890a2fe4}{66}" paraid="2017551073">To find out more about our A Level in Fashion and Textiles, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{b88d5ba6-0115-4924-91e1-9ff0890a2fe4}{72}" paraid="1418277766">To find out more about other A Level options, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My name is Josh and I just completed the level three <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… at Weston college and have just been offered a job with <a href="https://www.swfc.co.uk/">Sheffield Wednesday Football Club</a>!</p>

<p>I found out about the job when they wanted to bring me in as a Content Creator for streaming. They found my studies interesting and then asked me to apply for the job. The application was pretty straight forward as they knew me already but the trip up to the stadium was amazing and I loved that part of it!</p>

<p>Studying at Weston College was great; the classroom was kitted out with high-end equipment, and we definitely made the most out of it. I learnt a lot from the course about how to build both mine and other peoples brand online.</p>

<p>In my first year, the support team at Weston College helped me with my dyslexia by guiding me to the dictator function on Word. For me, it’s easier to get my ideas down by speaking them instead of writing. I found it challenging and it has always been difficult trying to understand things more than once, but I finished the course with top marks which is brilliant!</p>

<p>The wait for the phone call confirming the job was incredibly long, and truthfully when they told me I had got it, I didn’t believe them, but I was relieved and couldn’t wait to get started! I officially start my job on the 7th&nbsp;of August and I’m both nervous and excited. Moving away from everything I know is the worst bit, but I know I’ll learn and adapt to new surroundings and hopefully it will be a good few years!</p>

<p>I’m looking forward to starting a career I’m passionate about and also getting paid for it. As well as this my office is in the football stadium which is awesome! I can’t wait to get started!"</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… </a>Course at Weston college explores both the theoretical and practical areas of the industry. On the course you cover a variety of subjects including Business, Sport and Creative media. 69% of parents believe that the Esports Course at Weston college teaches their children skills that cannot be learnt by traditional learning. Alongside the course you can join our Esports Academy, train for national competitions and become an ambassador for our area.</p>

<p paraeid="{cc057e29-ad93-43f0-9a48-d78f66eaa46f}{199}" paraid="2022617493">Weston College's Foundation Learning Team is thrilled to announce that it has been honoured with the prestigious <a href="https://www.aoc.co.uk/">Association of Colleges</a> Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Sport Award. This recognition acknowledges the college's unwavering commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in its sports programmes, enabling learners with a diverse range of barriers to learning to thrive and achieve their aspirations.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{cc057e29-ad93-43f0-9a48-d78f66eaa46f}{217}" paraid="1826592258"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… Learning</a> at Weston College specialises in providing personalised study programmes for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health, physical impairments and barriers to learning. Many of these learners have faced previous educational setbacks and require specialist support to prepare for higher level courses, employment and independent living. The college's highly inclusive curriculum design fosters self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness among learners, empowering them to overcome societal barriers and actively participate in managing their own challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{fe87f1ea-78fb-4ad9-ab66-d7e13e7a4295}{24}" paraid="1587210646">Within this specialist area of Weston College, sport and enrichment activities play a pivotal role and the positive impact is evident through a wide range of learner led achievements and initiatives. The college's partnership with <a href="https://somersetcricketfoundation.org/">Somerset Cricket Foundation</a> has facilitated coaching packages in table cricket, promoting access to cricket for all. Recently, the College’s Sports Academy emerged victorious in the County championships of table cricket, underscoring the success of this collaboration. Additionally, the College’s Football Academy represented the South West region in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National finals, becoming unbeaten champions and contributing to the South West's winning of the esteemed Wilkinson Sword Trophy. These accomplishments reflect the Academy's dedication, teamwork, and commitment to fair play.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{fe87f1ea-78fb-4ad9-ab66-d7e13e7a4295}{98}" paraid="571213008">Beyond competitive tournaments, the Foundation Learning team actively participates in the South-West pan-disability league, fostering teamwork, physical literacy, and inclusivity. The college's sports programmes transcend boundaries and provides opportunities for learners from socially deprived backgrounds who may face financial constraints in accessing sporting activities within their communities. By offering accessible and inclusive sports opportunities, Weston College empowers learners to develop their skills, pursue their sporting interests, and experience the life-changing benefits of engaging in physical activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{fe87f1ea-78fb-4ad9-ab66-d7e13e7a4295}{126}" paraid="1109480144">Weston College's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion extends across all provision, with a whole college approach that ensures the diverse needs of learners are addressed in all aspects of college life. The coaching methodology follows the principles of open games, parallel games, and disability games, with sports coaches collaborating closely with Foundation Learning SEND specialists to deliver inclusive coaching sessions adapted to individual learners' requirements. Learners and staff actively promote social inclusion, problem-solving skills, and communication through physical education, fostering resilience and cohesion within teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{fe87f1ea-78fb-4ad9-ab66-d7e13e7a4295}{156}" paraid="818570379">Principal and CEO of Weston College, Sir Paul Phillips CBE, expressed his pride in the remarkable accomplishments of learners and staff: "Our success in the Association of Colleges Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Sport Award is a testament to the unwavering dedication, teamwork, and celebration of diversity that underpin our sports programmes. We are proud to create a safe and inclusive environment where all learners can flourish, regardless of their background or barriers. This recognition further motivates us to continue evolving and embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion into all that we do."&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{fe87f1ea-78fb-4ad9-ab66-d7e13e7a4295}{178}" paraid="1602225090">Weston College Foundation Learning's outstanding achievements in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion through sports exemplify the positive impact of inclusive education and sporting opportunities. The college remains committed to creating brighter futures, nurturing talent, and ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy the benefits of sports.&nbsp;</p>