News and events

Weston College proudly announces a remarkable 96.6% pass rate for its T Level students, exceeding the national average by 5.6%. This achievement highlights the college's dedication to providing exceptional technical education and preparing students for successful careers. 

T Levels are rigorous two-year qualifications, equivalent to three A Levels, designed in collaboration with employers to equip students with the skills and experience demanded by industry. Weston College's impressive results reflect the dedication of both students and staff in embracing this innovative educational pathway. 

In celebration of this success, Weston College is excited to expand its T Level offerings for the upcoming academic year. This September 2025, prospective students can enrol in the following T Level courses: 

• Animal Management: Specialising in either Behaviour or Science, this course prepares students for careers in animal care, veterinary services, and zoological research.
• Early Years: Offering pathways in Early Years Education and Assisting Teaching, students gain the skills needed for roles in childcare settings and educational support.
• Business Management and Leadership: Equips students with strategic and operational skills applicable across various sectors, paving the way for careers in management, marketing, and human resources.
• Construction: Focusing on Design, Surveying, and Planning, this course prepares students for professions such as architecture, surveying, and project management.
• Digital: With pathways in Production, Design, Development, and Support Services, students are prepared for careers in software development, IT systems, and cybersecurity.
• Engineering and Manufacturing: Provides comprehensive training in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, leading to opportunities in industries like aerospace and green energy. 
• Legal Services: Introduces students to the legal sector, preparing them for roles such as paralegals and legal executives.
• Media, Broadcast, and Production: Combines technical expertise with storytelling, suitable for careers in television, radio, and digital media.
• Science: Offers practical skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis, opening doors to careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. 

These courses are designed to provide students with a blend of classroom learning and substantial industry placements, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, expressed pride in the College's accomplishments: 

"These results highlight the dedication and hard work of our students, demonstrating once again the excellent progress our students make toward higher education or employment. At Weston College, our focus extends beyond helping students pass exams—we are committed to equipping them for their future careers."  

Weston College remains dedicated to fostering an environment where students can achieve academic excellence and gain the practical skills necessary for their chosen careers. The expansion of T Level courses reflects the College's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both students and the industries they aspire to join. 

For more information on T Level courses and application details, please click here. 

Meet our past T Level Students 

Callum Kavanagh: Digital Production Design and Development T Level 

Callum embarked on the Digital Production Design and Development T Level at Weston College after completing a Level 2 course to build his foundational computing knowledge. His dedication led to an industry placement with Lloyds Banking Group, where he applied his skills in a real-world setting. Reflecting on his journey, Callum stated: 

"Before joining the DPDD T Level with Weston College, I completed a Level 2 course. This helped to build my confidence and basic computing knowledge. Once I started the T Level, I was quickly introduced to the hands-on working experience side of the course, which benefitted me greatly."  

Greta: Business, Management, and Leadership T Level

Greta, a second-year student in the Business, Management, and Leadership T Level, secured an industry placement at Occuteach, an occupational training provider. There, she gained hands-on experience in marketing and client communications. She shared her enthusiasm: 

"The course has been very informative and engaging, providing me with valuable insights into the business world."

Christiana: Health T Level Graduate

Christiana completed her Health T Level and transitioned seamlessly into a Nursing Assistant role at Weston Hospital. She attributes her employment to the practical experience gained during her studies: 

"My placement during my T Level was at Weston Hospital—that experience was so incredible, and I now have a job on the ward where I did my placement."  

Grace: Early Years Educator T Level

Grace's commitment during her Early Years Educator T Level led to a summer job offer from her placement at Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead. She praised the course's balance of theoretical and practical learning: 

"The T Level was a ‘great balance of placement and college hours,’ providing her with a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience to put her skills into practice."

On Tuesday, 2nd April, Weston College took over the Job Centre in Weston-super-Mare, for a day dedicated to supporting adults in their journey towards new training and employment opportunities.

The event was designed to showcase the extensive range of courses and support available to job seekers, helping them gain new skills and qualifications to improve their career prospects.

The event was well attended, with over 150 job seekers, as well as visitors including Jane Murch, Chief of Staff for Weston-super-Mare’s MP Dan Aldridge, Mayor John Crockford-Hawley, and Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones.

Their presence highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between educational institutions, local government, and employment services in tackling skills gaps and unemployment.

The College’s team set up engaging stations filled with information about courses, training opportunities, and career support.

Attendees had the chance to speak directly with advisors, discuss their aspirations, and even register their interest in courses tailored to their needs. There was even the opportunity to get their hair cut, by the Hair and Barbering team from Weston College.

Mike Hudson, Director of Student Recruitment and Customer Operations at Weston College, said: “It was great to host our third Weston College Takeover Day at Weston Job Centre, and to see so many people wanting to engage with education.

“This event reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering individuals through education. We are proud to support adult learners in accessing the training they need to take their next career step.

“A big thank you to the Department for Work and Pensions and the incredible staff at Weston Job Centre and Weston College who went above and beyond to make this event so impactful, our continued partnership is supporting with creating brighter futures for all.”

Weston College have recently held an inter college competition for the South West Skills Challenge for Hair and Beauty – a competition which has been set up by colleges in the South West to support learners in their preparations for WorldSkills competitions.

At our Knightstone campus, we hosted Bath College, City of Bristol College, Yeovil College, New College Swindon, Gloucester College, and Bridgwater and Taunton College. The day consisted of various hair, foundation hair, beauty therapist and beauty practitioner competitions all judged by industry professionals, VTCT, AHT and WorldSkills judges.

The students that came in the top 3 of each competition were awarded prizes that were kindly donated by Dennis Williams, Ellisons, Capital, VTCT Skills, Wella.

Our Weston College learners came on top for the Foundation Hair and Beauty Practitioner awards, as well as coming second for the Beauty Therapist award! A big congratulations to the 30 talented competitors across all 7 colleges who pushed themselves outside their comfort zones, showcasing their amazing skills and creativity. The level of talent was truly inspiring!

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Ellisons Hair and Beauty , VTCT Skills , Dennis Williams, and Wella UK for providing fantastic prizes, as well as a special shout-out to our fantastic panel of judges: David Bassett, Mark Rayment, Chloe Williams and Hayley Huxtable who helped make the competition run smoothly and provided valuable feedback for the competitors.

Below are the results of each of the competitions:

Foundation Hair: 

🥇Weston College 

🥈Bridgwater & Taunton College 

🥉Bridgwater & Taunton College

Hair: 

🥇Gloucestershire College 

🥈Gloucestershire College 

🥉New College Swindon

Beauty Practitioner: 

🥇Weston College 

🥈New College Swindon

Beauty Therapist: 

🥇Yeovil College 

🥈Weston College 

🥉Yeovil College

Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, said, “Weston College are super proud to have hosted the South West Skills – Hair and Beauty Competition, and we are delighted with the outcomes of our Weston College learners! They have all put considerable amounts of dedication into their work, which was evident during the competition.

“Hosting events like these gives learners across colleges the opportunity to gain real industry experience which will help them immensely with their transition from college into employment, and it is important that we continue to give these opportunities to our learners throughout their time at college.”

If you would like to find out more about our Beauty courses, click here.

If you would like to find out more about our Hairdressing courses, click here.