<p>Weston College is proud to celebrate an exceptional achievement within its <strong>Law and Professional Services Faculty</strong>, with students attaining an impressive<strong> 95% pass rate</strong> in the recent <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law">… CPQ assessments.</a> This significantly surpasses the national average of 84%, highlighting both the dedication of our learners and the outstanding quality of teaching, support, and guidance provided throughout their studies.</p><p>This success reflects the College’s commitment to delivering high-quality legal education and nurturing future professionals within the legal sector. Our experienced lecturers and support teams work closely with students to ensure they are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their qualifications and beyond.</p><p>Weston College offers both <strong>Level 3</strong> and <strong>Level 6 CILEx programmes,</strong> designed to suit a range of learners at different stages of their career journey. Courses are available through flexible delivery options, including face-to-face teaching and remote learning, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.</p><p>For those choosing the apprenticeship pathway, learners benefit from the opportunity to earn while they learn. Apprentices gain valuable, hands-on experience within real legal environments, applying their knowledge in practice while receiving expert teaching during their time at Weston College. This combination of practical experience and academic learning provides a strong foundation for long-term career progression within the legal profession.</p><p>We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to supporting many more aspiring legal professionals in reaching their goals.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Student Testimonials:</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“I have been completing my CILEX studies at Weston College over the last three years whilst working as a Conveyancer at a firm of solicitors. Over the last twelve months I have been attending the CILEX classroom sessions at Weston. The content that you need to cover the exam is broken down in weekly sessions so that each area can be covered in depth.</em></p><p><em>“The sessions are also planned out to include time for revision sessions, exam technique practice as well as the mock exams. The college have also provided all the lessons to be made available online which is extremely useful for revision purposes and in the event you can't make a specific classroom session. The overall teaching and delivery of the content is without fault.”</em></p><p>Ollie Wilson, Foot Anstey - Level 6 Chartered Legal Executive Apprentice</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“My experience in studying for CILEx Level 6 qualifications at Weston College has been excellent. My tutor in particular was extremely knowledgeable on the CILEx qualifications and was invaluable during preparation for exams. He puts in a huge amount of effort and I think I speak for all of my cohort in saying that we were extremely fortunate to have him involved in our education.”</em></p><p>James Dunster, Clarke Willmott Solicitors - Level 6 Graduate Fast Track</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“CILEx is a brilliant opportunity for people who do not want to go down the University route.</em></p><p><em>Since being a member of CILEx I have grown in confidence, the staff are so supportive and I really enjoy my time at College.</em></p><p><em>The main reason why I was so drawn to CILEx is that I work alongside my studies, so it is the best of both worlds.”</em></p><p>Daisy Sellick, Alletsons Solicitors - Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“After finishing my History Degree I knew I wanted to get into Law but was wary of the cost involved with a conversion and LPC. After gaining sufficient work experience, I decided to consider other options and I am really grateful for the opportunity that CILEx has provided, enabling me to qualify whilst working full time.</em></p><p><em>“My employer is really supportive as they are able to get regular updates from the college and the course has benefited my role as a paralegal, enabling me to practice and draw parallels with what I’m learning. I’ve found the college to be both effective and flexible in their approach to teaching, providing extra support where necessary and detailed personal feedback on how I can improve. The online lectures and resources are also really helpful when it comes to revision for the exams. I know that if I had any queries or issues they would be answered speedily and I feel supported by the tutors. I look forward to continuing my studies with Weston College and eventually qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.”</em></p><p>Anna Kelly, Alletsons Solicitors - Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Having already been to 2 other colleges I can honestly say that Weston College is one of the best colleges in Somerset if not the South West. I am currently coming towards the end of my level 3 paralegal apprenticeship and everyone who has taught me teaches with passion and has a brilliant understanding about their subject area.”</em></p><p>Emily House, Acorn Solicitors - Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“During my time at Weston College my Lecturers helped me develop my skills, widen my knowledge and gain confidence in myself. They went the extra mile to provide support where required.”</em></p><p>Daniel Lewis, Berry Redmond Gordon and Penney LLP - Level 3 Diploma</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjQpT20pxWs?si=Z8ZAWHaL1H63f8H9&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday 6th March, as part of <strong>Women in Construction Week</strong>, Weston College hosted a <strong>Women in Construction Roundtable</strong> at our South West Skills Campus in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/"><strong>West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.</strong></a></p><p>The event brought together women from across the construction sector, including representatives from <a href="https://www.kier.co.uk/"><strong>Kier Group</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/"><strong>Alun Griffiths</strong></a><strong>,</strong> <a href="https://kanegroup.co.uk/"><strong>Kane Group</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/"><strong>Galliford Try</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.tclarke.com/"><strong>TClark</strong></a><strong>,</strong&…; alongside Weston College’s own T Level learners, apprentices, and members of the college’s careers and apprenticeship teams.</p><p>The session began with a welcome and overview of the event, followed by roundtable introductions. Employers then shared short video clips showcasing their organisations and the opportunities available within their businesses, before offering reflections on their roles and career journeys.</p><p>This was followed by a discussion on career pathways within construction, exploring traditional and alternative routes into the industry, as well as advice for those at the start of their careers. The final part of the roundtable focused on the experiences of women working in construction, covering topics such as challenges faced, the value of support networks, the rewards of working in the sector, and opportunities for positive change.</p><p>The conversation sparked honest and inspiring reflections on career journeys, early exposure to careers in school, obstacles encountered along the way, and the successes that come with determination and perseverance. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, celebrate progress, and highlight the importance of visibility and representation for women in the industry.</p><p>Events like this play a vital role in demonstrating that construction is a career open to everyone, offering a wide range of pathways and opportunities.</p><p>If you would like to get involved in future events like this, please contact <strong>employers@weston.ac.uk.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>To celebrate<strong> International Women’s Day,</strong> we spoke with some of our inspiring colleagues to learn more about their lives both inside and outside the workplace, and to discover the women who have inspired them the most. 🌟</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Tiffany</h2><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a4ab51db-e8c7-4c68-a405-64a69abea9fe" 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>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Can you tell us about yourself and what you do at Weston College / UCW?</strong></em></p><p>I lead Talent Acquisition at Weston College Group, which means I help shape the teams that deliver everything we do for our students.</p><p>I’m very values-led in how I work. Honesty, clear communication and integrity matter to me. But I’m also motivated by innovation and improvement. I don’t believe in doing something a certain way just because it’s always been done that way. I’m naturally curious and often asking, is there a better way? Can we work smarter? Can we simplify? Can we try something different?</p><p>For me, recruitment isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about transformation. It’s about building strong systems, creating better experiences and continuously improving so we stay relevant and effective.</p><p>Outside of work, I compete in powerlifting. I started two and a half years ago out of pure curiosity, with no experience at all. Since then, through consistent training and a willingness to keep learning, I’ve progressed to competing at the British Championships alongside some of the strongest women in the UK.</p><p>What I love about the sport is its simplicity. You put the work in, you show up, and you improve. You don’t get every lift, and that’s part of it. You learn, you try again, and over time you get stronger. It’s a reminder that growth is built over time, and that failure is part of the process – in fact it’s often the quickest way to succeed!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Who are the women who inspire you most, and why?</strong></em></p><p>One woman who has always inspired me is Maya Angelou.</p><p>She was an extraordinary poet, memoirist and civil rights activist, and her writing reached far beyond literature. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, to educate, to challenge perspectives and to build understanding through her words.</p><p>Her work also played a part in shaping my own passion for writing poetry and spoken word. I’ve always been drawn to the way she used language with intention to create connection and to give voice to lived experience.</p><p>What I admire most is the way she combined truth with compassion. She spoke openly about race, identity and injustice, but always in a way that invited reflection rather than division. Her work created space for empathy and learning.</p><p>Her words, “People will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel,” have always stayed with me. That belief in the power of honest, thoughtful communication, and in the emotional impact of how we show up, is something I value deeply.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?</strong></em></p><p>It’s okay if people see things differently to you.</p><p>Differences in opinion aren’t something to worry about, they’re a reflection of the range of perspectives and experiences people bring. Diversity of thought strengthens teams. It challenges assumptions and leads to more rounded decisions.</p><p>I would tell my younger self to stay humble, stay curious and be willing to step outside her comfort zone. When you don’t understand something, lean into it rather than away from it.</p><p>The first step of growth is being open to it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Emily</strong></h2><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce6426e3-5e48-43ea-9f46-3ad1045fba29" 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><p><em><strong>Can you tell us about yourself and what you do at Weston College / UCW?</strong></em></p><p>I am currently a Teaching, Learning and Assessment Manager in the Quality Improvement/Assurance team and I have worked at Weston College for almost 10 years! During this time, I've been a Lecturer of English, TLA Coach, and manager. The part of my job that I enjoy the most is supporting staff develop their TLA and how this can positively impact the culture and practice of colleagues around them. I mentor staff who are on our Initial Teacher Education programmes, and I am constantly in awe of their creativity so early on in their careers.</p><p>Outside Weston College, I am also a published writer. My proudest achievement is having written a chapter in an academic textbook focused on working class women in academia, which was discussed on Woman's Hour. (Although I feel a little rusty these days!) I am a Welsh speaker and had the majority of my education through the medium of Welsh - something I took for granted at the time!</p><p><em><strong>Who are the women who inspire you most, and why?</strong></em></p><p>My daughter, Indie, is a huge inspiration to me. Her confidence to try new things and assertiveness in social situations are qualities and skills which I hope only strengthen over time. To watch a human grow and be unapologetic in who they are is truly a phenomenal experience. Her empathy at such a young age astounds me every day.</p><p>My mum, Jane, is unfortunately in the final stages of dementia. As a result of this disease, so much of who she is has been stripped away. However, this means it's even more vital to remember who she 'was' and in many ways still is. My mum spoke five languages, she was a teacher, a confidant to many, and was incredibly creative. She embarked on woodwork courses, taught people how to ski (with my sister on her back...although this was the early 1980s!), and stood up for what she believed in even if this wasn't shared by the majority. I am grateful for opportunities now where I can talk about the inspiration that she is.</p><p>I am inspired by women who advocate for others and make change - even if it doesn't directly benefit themselves or their current situation. To be empathetic and notice that you can be a catalyst for change is incredible. Gisele Pelicot, a French woman who waived her right to anonymity as the survivor in the Pelicot case showed courage, dignity and vulnerability by speaking out about her unimaginable experiences. An incredible woman who carries out important and life changing work for people across the world.</p><p><em><strong>What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?</strong></em></p><p>"A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." - Lao Tzu. Fostering confidence and empowering others is something that I strive to do and embed in my life both personally and professionally. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader. To champion, coach and celebrate so that others are empowered to believe in their own abilities are powerful tools which have lasting impact - on the individual and beyond.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Katie</strong></h2><drupal-entity alt="Katie on bike" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc8d2303-e141-4dd4-9848-d8be544eea15" 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><p><em><strong>Can you tell us about yourself and what you do at Weston College / UCW?</strong></em></p><p>I’m Katie, a Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education. I’m an ex-art teacher, I have a three-legged cat called Archie and I love cycling.</p><p>Cycling is an incredible sport - it brings people together and creates a sense of freedom and adventure. However, it is also a sport that lacks parity. As a female cyclist, I’m underestimated. I’ve been patronised. When I’ve out-performed men, I’ve had comments made about my weight and physique in an attempt to explain why. These aren’t isolated incidents. Thankfully, female professional cycling is growing year on year and with that come more and more role models who are changing the face of the sport.</p><p><em><strong>Who are the women who inspire you most, and why?</strong></em></p><p>For me, the person who changed the game was Annemiek van Vleuten. Van Vleuten was the first pro female to train with the pro men. She argued for harder races so the women could show their true abilities, for more TV coverage for their events and for fair prize money. In 2022, one month before her 40th birthday, she raced the World Championship Road Race. She was one of the race favourites, but broke her elbow a few days before. Instead of going home, she raced in support of her Netherlands teammates. With 1km to go of the 160km race, she was the best placed Dutch rider. She put everything on the line, and rode away solo from a group of 13 riders. She crossed the line first, in utter disbelief at what she’d achieved. That moment encapsulated how powerful women are, what we can achieve against all odds and why we should never be underestimated.</p><p><em><strong>What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?</strong></em></p><p>The advice I would give my younger self is to have belief in my opinions and decisions and acknowledge my successes.</p>