Programmes for School Leavers
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.
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 style="margin-bottom:8px;">Recently, Persimmon Homes kindly donated our Construction Career Excellence Hub (CEH) students over 6 pallets of bricks to provide them with more opportunities and growth, improving their overall skills and confidence and supporting the next generation of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; target="_blank">Bricklaying</a> learners.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Persimmon Homes is a UK housebuilding company, dedicated to making houses more affordable than the average new build homes. They also support local communities and charities such as The Independent and Refuge in order to make a difference and improve the lives of others.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">In honour of this kind donation, three members of the Persimmon Homes team joined us at the South West Skills Campus, along with Dan Aldridge, the Labour MP for Weston-Super-Mare, and three other Councillors. They got the chance to meet our Bricklaying students, chat with them, and see how their brick donation was being used within the course.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Persimmon members, Dan Aldridge, and Councillors talking to our Weston College staff"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f62766a8-a1b5-4a03-95a2-15a4aa718e17" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; target="_blank">Bricklaying</a> students were able to practice with the brand-new bricks, making their work look more professional and giving them a better understanding of how a real-life project would end up.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">One student, Izzy, said, “I thought it was great to have new bricks in from Persimmon Homes and I’m sure everyone in bricklaying will appreciate it.”</p><drupal-entity alt=""Dan Aldridge talking to one of our students, Izzy, about her plans for the future"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91cdf168-02f9-43de-8b21-4be8b0db4ecd" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Another student, Ewan, said, “when I started using the new bricks, they were so easy to lay and look so nice after you’re finished with them, giving me more opportunities to build bigger and better things.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">“I would love to thank everybody that took part in donating those bricks! It was a big help to all the bricklaying learners at Weston College.”</p><drupal-entity alt=""Bricklaying students using the new bricks donated by Persimmon Homes"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de621a0f-c09d-4c6f-af07-bbfef9e25ff3" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Not only have Persimmon Homes improved the skills of our learners, but they have also supported their development by taking on five apprentices: three in Brickwork and two in Carpentry. They also have existing apprentices from previous years that they continue to support and give them the experience they’ll need to move on to their desired career.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">The opportunities that Persimmon Homes has provided Weston College will allow us to continue to deliver high-quality teaching as well as producing well-rounded learners who have the confidence, experience and skills to excel, not only in the classroom, but also in their future roles.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Weston College would like to say a massive thank you to Persimmon Homes for their generous donation, and to Dan Aldridge and the other Councillors in attendance for showing your support and taking the time to visit our learners.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; target="_blank">If you are interested in applying for one of our Construction courses in September, click here.</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Weston College are thrilled to announce its exciting new partnership with the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) Weston-super-Mare; a collaboration that will offer young aspiring performers, aged 16-18 and beyond, even greater opportunities to develop their skills in musical theatre, film and television, comedy and drama. As a Career Excellence Hub partner, joining forces will exemplify the commitment to supporting the local community, providing young talent with access to additional training and inspire futures in </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank">Performing Arts</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">PQA Weston-super-Mare prides itself on nurturing creativity in an inclusive and supportive environment. With students ranging from 4 to 18 years, every individual is welcomed and encouraged to reach their full potential. Learners have the chance to perform in the West End, earn RSL Qualifications, perform in showcases, and support local charities and events; all while building life skills that will serve them in and beyond the world of performance. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Pauline Quirke and Lydia at the PQA film festival"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec509f02-b6f0-4560-b943-eb9630ec514c" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Founded by Pauline Quirke, best known for her role in BBC’s </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Birds of a Feather</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, PQA builds confidence, teaches vital life skills, and provides life-changing opportunities to young people. Quirke herself is a patron of numerous charities and has recently launched the PQA Trust, which aims to provide performing arts training to underprivileged children, continuing the academy’s mission of inclusivity and opportunity for all. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Through this exciting collaboration, Weston College students can support their knowledge and understanding of the performing arts; potentially sparking an interest in teaching or careers in the creative industries. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Lydia MacRitchie, Rose Bruford-trained and Principal of PQA Weston-super-Mare, explains, "the PQA team is working on an incredible selection of projects that feature our students in musicals, plays, and films. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We are passionate about each student’s personal journey, and our team works tirelessly to help every performer shine. This partnership with Weston College will enrich their learning experience and may even inspire the next generation of performance teachers!" </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">PQA offer a wide array of opportunities to its students. From performing in the West End to receiving professional coaching from industry stars; students have the chance to learn from the best. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The academy’s creative management agency opens doors for students to careers and experiences in TV including BBC and Netflix shows, Emmerdale, Game of Thrones, His dark Materials and films such as Wonder Woman, Nativity Rocks, Jurassic World and more. Past PQA alumni have secured roles in West End shows such as School of Rock, Matilda the Musical, and Oliver. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This exceptional team of dedicated professionals boasts impressive credentials. This includes a Musical Theatre teacher who has directed for local groups like the Worle Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS), a choreographer who headed up Exeter Emeralds Cheerleading Squad, and an experienced factual producer with credits at the BBC, National Geographic, and Channel 4. The team ensure students learn the theories as well as the practical skills needed to thrive in a dynamic industry. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The academy is rooted in inclusivity and is driven by a passion for performance. Every student is unique, and PQA’s role is to help them uncover and nurture that individuality. The academy’s impressive guest visitors regularly provide masterclasses to inspire the next generation. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This partnership with Weston College will only strengthen these core values, creating an enriching environment where local talent can thrive. Together, they are providing a springboard for young people to follow their dreams, whether that be on the West End stage, in front of a camera, or in the classroom. </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/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank">If you are interested in joining one of our Performing Arts courses in September, click here.</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Over Halloween, Puxton Park hosted their annual scare fest to haunt and spook the public. This year’s event, ‘Phobia’, was not only a great opening to the spooky season, but it also allowed students to practice their skills and develop their confidence.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Learners from <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>, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hair and Media Makeup</a>, and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank">Performing Arts</a> helped with the event, putting their knowledge into practice to make it even more fearful for the public.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Phobia featured multiple attractions tailored to create a thrilling and immersive horror experience, with different themed scare zones and interactive performances. There was also a VIP Tractor ride, live music, and food and drink available.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Some of the <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> students performed in live bands, whilst others worked as stage crew, assisting with the full setup and takedown of equipment and managing the lighting and sound engineering. This ensured a seamless production and created a live show like no other, keeping their audience entertained whilst showing off their talent.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Music Students performing at Phobia"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a92a2826-9777-4124-a117-f53944514db0" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;">Oz Cahill, one of our Music lecturers, says, “events like Phobia are imperative to give young people that are interested in performance and events the opportunity to work with professionals from the industry and learn vital skills to enhance their future. They are also very valuable networking opportunities.”</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Our <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; target="_blank">Hair and Media Makeup</a> students also went above and beyond in creating a night to remember by ensuring that all the actors were scare-ready for the event, spending 2.5 hours each night applying makeup for 40+ actors.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">‘Phobia’ gave the UCW <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; target="_blank">Hair and Media Makeup</a> students the chance to plan a project independently, considering budgets and time frames but also flex their creativity and have fun. It also gave Weston College students the chance to assist with the execution of the event, build up some work experience, and see first-hand what a university course in Hair and Media Makeup is all about.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Performing Arts student with clown makeup by the beauty students"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9705e04-752a-49c1-b595-93e2a6f88b02" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Tara O’Hare, one of our Hair and Media Makeup lecturers, says, "I would like to say that the students work so hard in bringing this event to life!</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">They are professional and imaginative in their delivery of skills and techniques. They work to a pre-set budget (which isn’t always easy), and they work as a team to ensure everyone involved has a great experience.”</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">And finally, our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank">Performing Arts</a> students gave outstanding performances, embodying their roles as scare actors in various roles in order to enhance the immersive, horror experience for the public.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">‘Phobia’ provided the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank">Performing Arts</a> students the chance to practice high-intensity character work, improvisation skills, and guest interaction, improving their confidence and skills in a fun and expressive environment, whilst also giving them invaluable work experience.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Performing Arts student dressed up as a priest to scare the public"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="188bdf7c-9ed4-4db8-bf38-7e4c91d2e94f" 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 style="margin-bottom:8px;">Jade Hicks, the Head of Performance and Production at Weston College, says, “all learners had to problem solve, be solution focused and think quickly on the spot and adapt to various situations.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">The students were eager to apply their skills in a real-world setting and enjoyed the challenge of working within a themed, immersive environment.”</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">For our students, Phobia allows students to develop industry-based skills, put their knowledge into practice with the public, make networking connections, and it helps them to understand the expectations and requirements of their desired field of work. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Well done to all the students who took part in the event, you were spook-tastic!</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">We’d also like to thank Puxton Park for providing us with opportunities for collaboration that will further enrich our students' education and professional readiness.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">If you are interested in joining our <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>, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo…; target="_blank">Performing Arts</a>, or <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hair and Media Makeup</a> CEH areas in September, click here.</p>
