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>Amy, a dedicated T Level student, has found her wings during her industry placement with The Bird of Prey Project in Bath.</p><p>As part of her <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Level in Animal Care and Management</a>, Amy’s placement has been a transformative experience, helping her build confidence, independence, and skills that will last a lifetime.</p><p>The Bird of Prey Project, known for its commitment to restoring habitats and conserving birds of prey, offers a hands-on environment that truly rewards passion and effort.</p><p>Amy has embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, becoming an integral part of the team. Her natural motivation, excellent customer service skills, and growing expertise in avian care have earned her praise from both staff and visitors.</p><p>A particularly memorable milestone in Amy’s journey was learning to handle and fly the birds. Among these breath taking moments was the first time she flew Bella, the Indian Rock Owl.</p><p>Amy’s confidence visibly blossomed as she mastered this skill, reflecting her dedication to learning and growth.</p><p>Amy’s placement has not only been an educational experience but also a deeply rewarding one, offering a unique blend of challenges and accomplishments.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… you would like to find out more about our T Level courses in Animal Care and Management, then click here.</a></p>
<p>Weston-super-Mare AFC, in partnership with Weston College, is inviting talented young footballers aged 15 to 19 to an exclusive Academy Trial Day.</p><p>The event, designed to inspire and develop the next generation of players, will take place on 3rd January, and offers a unique blend of professional coaching and educational opportunities.</p><p>The Academy Trial Day provides a platform for participants to showcase their skills while exploring pathways that combine football and academics through Weston College’s tailored programmes.</p><p>Event Highlights: </p><ul><li>Professional Coaching: Participants will train with Weston-super-Mare AFC’s experienced Academy staff and gain valuable insights into the professional football environment. </li><li>Pathway Opportunities: Learn about Weston College’s innovative educational programmes designed to help students balance athletic and academic pursuits. </li><li>Player Development: Compete alongside current U16 players and challenge yourself against talented peers in a high-level training session.</li></ul><p>Simon Panes, Academy Director at Weston-super-Mare AFC, said: “We at the academy strive to offer the perfect footballing pathway built around full-time education. The club and the academy are now attracting players from a larger geographical area due to its success and high profile. All our staff aim to improve every facet of the academy and the standard of player within. We look forward to welcoming you to our January trials to showcase your talent.”</p><p>Jack Gadd, Student Engagement Manager at Weston College, added: “We’re delighted to be offering this exciting opportunity, alongside Weston-super-Mare AFC.</p><p>“We’re passionate about providing learners with pathways that support them in achieving sporting success, and this established partnership is the perfect example of this. Through opportunities such as these, our learners can achieve both their sporting and academic goals.”</p><p>Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. </p><p>This is an exceptional chance for young players to take their football journey to the next level while planning their future with Weston College’s support.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/weston-collegeafc-football-trials">For further details and to reserve your place, please click here.</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">Hospitality and Catering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students have been at it again, preparing delicious meals with the help of professional chef masterclasses and learning new skills that they wouldn’t normally learn until later in their career. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The executive head chef from Coast & Country Catering, Chris Chatfield, came in to deliver a masterclass to our hospitality students over two days. On the first day, he gave them a chocolate masterclass which included making a pre-dessert of Pina Colada, followed by an out-of-the-ordinary ‘apple’ crumble, and on the second day, the learners created an outstanding dinner menu using a range of techniques and foods to be presented as the Grove’s dinner menu to the public. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The pre-dessert Pina Colada consisted of a chocolate and coconut shell with a pineapple salsa and a coconut foam. The ‘apple’ crumble was also no ordinary apple crumble, but was rather a white chocolate mousse, set in a green coloured chocolate to look like an apple, with an apple and blackberry centre and set on a bed of crumble. These dishes taught the learners how to uniquely present their dishes to look even more high-quality and professional due to the time and effort gone into them. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Pina Colada pre-dessert final dish"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a5ef594-b210-4624-8d02-fad1e3703c7f" 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;">On the second day, the learners readied for the Tuesday night dinner service at the Grove, and, with the help of Chris, the students created some exceptional final dishes including starters like Crab Mille Feuille and Haricot Blanc Velouté, and mains including Mizo Glazed Venison Loin, Hen of the Woods, and Stone Bass. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Mizo Glazed Venison Loin"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d26fa2c7-c4d2-4dcf-9f10-7d79b93f1be6" 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><drupal-entity alt=""Final Stone Bass dish plated up"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d53481e-2897-4059-a1ea-c05792bb7179" 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><drupal-entity alt=""Crab Mille Feuille final dish plated up"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ea0d341-8c13-4bdb-b542-c4e256e6e4b6" 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;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">During this takeover, the students developed their skills and learnt new techniques, not only in cooking but also with presentation and serving. The technical skills included high-end plating skills, cooking and picking crabs, breaking down venison saddles to produce sous vide loin, salt baking vegetables, smoking vegetables, curing, pickling and making a classic au jus. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Apple crumble in the shape and style of a green apple"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="450e603a-739f-4f37-bded-de3ad9e5b314" 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;">Chris also offered an insight into Michelin level cooking, as well as outlining the expectations and behaviours that are expected within the industry at that level so the learners could develop an understanding of a real-world professional kitchen. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Overall, the masterclass was a success, allowing students to flex their culinary skills and learn new ways of cooking and presenting in order to create quality dishes in all aspects. The learners learnt so much from Chris and produced a fantastic final menu that they should be proud of. </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 Chris for helping our learners better their abilities and improve their confidence in the kitchen so they can become our future professionals in the culinary industry. </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/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying to one of Hospitality and Catering courses in September, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
