News and events

Wednesday 12 June, 14:00-17:00

Today the College’s Hospitality and Hair and Beauty sectors had an end-of-year celebration and competition in the theme - The Mad Hatters Tea Party.

The day ran from 14.00-17:00, with competitions starting at 11 in the kitchens and 14.00 on the main floor, and the awards presentation took place at 16.00.

The competition was open to all learners from the areas who are studying full programmes and apprenticeships. Two learners from each group progress from the heat to the final on the day.

Those not taking part in the competitions arrived at 3pm for mocktails.

After the competitions, the Mad Hatters Tea Party took place, and high tea was served. Prizes were then be awarded:

• Hair and Beauty Learner of the Year - Natasha Bryant
• Hospitality and Catering Learner of the Year - Georgia Perry-Wilkinson
• Apprentice learner of the year - Hannah Handsford, Beautylicious in Taunton

The competitions that took place today included (all one hour):

• Level 1 Hair and Beauty (open to entry level also) – Cheshire Cat-themed face paint. Model to be in costume. Judged by Lyndsey Fiddler, Inspire
• Level 1 Hair (open to entry level also) – Mad Hatter-themed plaiting and twisting. Accessories should be used and model in costume. Judged by Lyndsey Fiddler, Inspire
• Level 1 Hospitality (open to Entry level also) – A selection of Queen of Hearts Tarts. Judged by Alex Parsons, The Old Down Estate
• Level 2 Hair and Media Make-up – Mad Hatter-themed hair and make-up. Accessories and costume are compulsory. Hair preparation can begin before but must be dressed during the hour. Make-up preparation base can also be applied. All models must have costume. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
• Level 2/3 Barbering – Create an image to a Mad Hatters theme. Hair can be pre-coloured and model dressed for the tea party. Judged by Lyndsey Fiddler, Inspire
• Level 2 Hairdressing – Mad Hatter-themed fantasy hair (to include a pre- colour). Hair preparation can be started prior but is required to be dressed in the time. Model must be in full costume. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
• Level 2 Beauty – A manicure and finish suitable for a party. Model dressed for a tea party. Glitter and jazz encouraged. Judged by Carol Goodhind, Beauty Retreat
• Level 2 Food and Beverages – A mocktail fit for Alice, with decoration. Judged by Nikon Baker, The Winter Gardens
• Level 2 Professional Cookery – A selection of 20 party-ready cakes with decoration. Judged by Alex Parsons, The Old Down Estate
• Level 3 Hairdressing – Create an image to a Mad Hatters Tea Party theme. Colour can be applied prior to the day. Model must have a full costume. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
• Level 3 Massage Therapy – Busy Rabbit relax with a hot stone back, neck and shoulder treatment. Judged by Carol Goodhind, Beauty Retreat
• Level 3 Theatrical Make-Up – Body stencilling (face and shoulders). Accessories and costume are desired. Judged by Adam Thomas, Weston Hair Studios
• Level 3 Sports Massage – Ankle or knee rehabilitation after a fall down the rabbit hole. Judged by Carol Goodhind, Beauty Retreat
• Level 3 Food and Beverage – A Mad Hatter-themed table decoration. Judged by Nikon Baker, The Winter Gardens
• Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery – An Alice in Wonderland edible three-tier cake stand with selection of delights. Judged by Alex Parsons, The Old Down Estate

See all our courses and apprenticeships for more details.

Weston College students will get the chance to work with an exciting new range of animals thanks to a partnership with one of the region’s top visitor attractions.

The College has joined forces with Puxton Park, which will enable students to develop industry-specific skills working with the park’s specialist facilities and animals.

Puxton’s range of domestic, farm and exotic animals include tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus and stick insects.

The link will also allow students to gain broader experience on their customer service skills, by engaging with tourists, families and school parties; all helping to prepare them for the world of work.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “Puxton Park is an outstanding and well-known venue, boasting a huge range of facilities, resources and animals.

“This innovative and exciting partnership provides a wealth of opportunities for students, to develop practical skills with species to suit everyone’s interests from reptiles to large farm animals through to birds of prey.”

“With future skills gaps identified and the excellent access of Puxton Park on the A370, this partnership will allow us to develop our animal management provision and provide students from throughout the region with the skills they need to succeed in this exciting industry.”

Alistair Mead, Managing Director of Puxton Park, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Weston College.

“Puxton Park was originally built with the intention of being an educational working farm park. Over the past 12 years, the park has grown in many ways; however, our roots as a place of learning and growth are deeply ingrained in everything we offer which is why we feel so passionate about supporting and working with future veterinary nurses, animal keepers, animal scientists, farmers and vets.”

Puxton Park is an award-winning family adventure park based near Weston-super-Mare. It provides animal talks, workshops and feedings, as well as indoor and outdoor adventure areas, water activities, rides and games.

Weston College has been named as the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Provider of the Year for the second year in a row.

The award ceremony, held at Ashton Gate Stadium, celebrated learners from across the region, as well as recognising the hard work of employers and training providers.

Weston College learner Josh King, an apprentice at GKN Aerospace, was also recognised on the evening – winning Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.

The College delivers a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree-level and works with many high-profile employers in the Bristol and Bath area, including the Ministry of Defence and GKN Aerospace and Royal United Hospitals Bath.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “We are delighted to retain our award, which highlights our commitment to developing skills across the region.

“Our staff are always there to provide a smooth process for employers, and learners, so this award is recognition of those efforts.

“I’m also delighted for Josh. Our learners show such a fantastic attitude to their studies and he is clearly doing a brilliant job at one of the biggest companies in the area – GKN.”

This is the latest in a string of recent awards for the College, which include a Beacon Award for dedication to mental health, the BKSB National Provider of Year award and also the AAC SEND Apprenticeship Champion award.