2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT Animal Management Education Centre Loxton Campus Construction Training Centre Weston South West Bay Skills Campus

Knightstone University Winter Health and Campus Centre Gardens Weston Active Living Skills Centre

Lauriston Hotel Contents

Welcome 16-18 curriculum Winter Gardens Community Board Page 2 Page 12 Page 30

Overview of the Weston College Group The year in numbers Prison education Page 6 Page 13 Page 32

A catalyst for regeneration Adult and part-time provision Strategic partnership Page 8 Page 14 Page 35

The resources to deliver for the region Apprenticeships Impact on students Page 10 Page 16 Page 42

Special educational needs and Impact on employers disabilities Page 44 Page 18 The year in headlines Law and Professional Services Academy Page 46 Page 20 The year in numbers University Centre Weston Page 48 Page 22 Corporation Blended learning Page 50 Page 24 Contact us Forward Futures Limited Page 52 Page 26

Inspirational Events and Investments Page 29

2 1 Welcome

Our reputation in maintaining delivery Kingdom Business Awards in Leader lead partner in the Institute of Technology, where we have had to really grasp the in exciting and responsive ways was of the Future and Wellbeing at Work focussing on the digital agenda. digital agenda in ways never anticipated, recognised by central government as well as a Pearson Silver Award for work with the MoJ in terms of prison Ambition must remain paramount and and some of our practices featured as Lifetime Achievement, alongside Beacon education and leading on T Levels and we have continued to refine staffing national exemplars. The Minister for shortlisting and regional apprenticeship other initiatives. structures, appointing and retaining Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, delivery awards. Add to that Investors in the very best staff in the field. Our work I must thank everyone who has been paid a virtual visit to our College and People Platinum status and there is much with key employers, including NHS, part of our unique journey. The 2020/21 we were also invited to a launch of to celebrate from the perspective of both MoD, GKN, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Wessex year will no doubt bring another set of T Levels by the Secretary of State, Gavin profile and reputation. Water, MoJ and many others, must be challenges, but the College’s tenacity, its Williamson. These systems, supplemented Our recent capital investments now include sustained and built upon. Partnerships strategic approach and its resilience will by the launch of ‘Momentum’ (a cross- a Health and Active Living Skills Centre, with our HE partners - UWE Bristol, Bath again provide the very best academic, college fast response reporting and action as well as a purposefully designed Animal Spa University and Hartpury University technical and vocational education to all group) enabled rapid mobilisation of Management unit in North Somerset. - alongside work with North Somerset who study and train with us. strategies and comprehensive reporting Weston College was also successful in Council, the West of England Local mechanisms across the many campuses Our multifaceted imperatives – academic, leading the West of England Institute Enterprise Partnership and the Combined of the Weston College Group. social, cultural, transformational and of Technology bid which has created a Authority in the West of England, economic - will provide impact to ensure The latter part of the year has certainly partnership with UWE Bristol and Colleges reinforces our ambitions and excellence we continue to create ‘Brighter Futures’ provided significant challenges to the staff in Gloucester, Bath and Yeovil. in training. for all who engage with us. and the introduction of a comprehensive ‘Creating Brighter Futures’ remains our As I look back on a year of challenge, I Weston College experienced two very mental health strategy and ‘Let’s Chat’ strapline and indeed we do create a value- have been impressed by the dedication different periods of time in its 2019-20 initiatives have had major impact. added environment for all who study or and tenacity of everyone involved within academic year, caused by the impact of The combination of skills and support engage with us. the College – Governors, staff, employers Covid-19 from March this year. has therefore enabled us to continue and the learners themselves. Irrespective, delivering unique and powerful solutions Our academic results place us at the top Despite the catastrophic changes and we have developed our organisation to the skills agenda, with impactful quality of the league tables and include 40% first Dr Paul Phillips, CBE; PhD; DLit; EdD challenges that had to be faced, the even further and our achievements both education supplemented by strong class honours, 99% A Level pass rate and Principal and Chief Executive College transformed its delivery to digital at a quality and financial level buck the partnerships that have influenced change high vocational course success, alongside TES FE Leader of the Year platforms within a day and continued to national trend. The magical ‘sparkle’ of locally, regionally and nationally. major apprenticeship growth. This is in deliver teaching, learning and training to addition to the success of our Centres for my staff surpasses norms and has taken thousands of learners and local, regional Recognition of success has occurred at Excellence in both Mathematics and SEND the College to even greater levels of and national businesses. numerous levels and has included United by the Government and our bid as the inspirational delivery. It has been a year

2 3 I have had the Phillips, we have navigated a course that Looking forward, this College will continue privilege of has enabled us to be a leading light in our to advance with the learner at the heart of being Chair of delivery and associated quality. all it achieves. The Institute of Technology Governors of the and the new Animal Management facility Weston College The approach of adaptability, agility and at Puxton Park are already widening Group for two financial prudence, has ensured that horizons. Yet again, our students and years after serving this College is still the master of its own businesses are enhancing the local and as a Governor destiny, recognising that many colleges wider economy. As our reach grows, the of the College no longer have this luxury. With the new importance of partnerships becomes for many years. I capital facilities now completed, even more increasingly relevant - the skills and the have great pleasure in commending the opportunities are available for our learner entrepreneurship of our partners are 2019/20 Annual Report to you. population and, simultaneously, this College highly valued as we share and merge our continues to win national and regional vision and ethos on this journey together. The report sets out a dynamic agenda and awards, including Centres for Excellence, a journey that has delivered exceptional emphatically proving that growth does not The higher we climb, the better the view results, despite the very obvious compromise quality at Weston College! – a view that will be enhanced by sharing challenges of Covid-19 and the lack of it with our colleagues and partners alike. sector investment. The results speak for The 2019-20 year however called on the themselves which are fully endorsed by College to show an adaptability that is I look forward to working with you in the the Corporation, who together act as the quite unique. Despite all of the challenges, 2020-21 academic year critical friend and scrutineer of strategy, the College turned its business operation finances, curriculum and ethos of the around within 24 hours and unlike many organisation. This year we have been institutions our College continued to Andrew Leighton-Price involved in a range of new initiatives, and deliver the full range of provision with Chair of Governing Body I am thrilled by the partnership that has a high proportion delivered face to been developed across the governing face. New technologies were quickly body and with other key organisations. implemented and for learners it was clearly business as normal. The resilience The FE sector at present faces unique and tenacity at both leadership and challenges and through the leadership of delivery levels was exemplary and despite our Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul everything the College met its targets.

24 5 Weston College Group

Weston College is a general college of further and higher University Centre Weston (UCW) offers more than 40 Forward Futures Limited is the Weston College Group’s in- The West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) is education in Weston-super-Mare, delivering education and courses across a number of vocational and academic subject house recruitment agency. It provides high calibre associates one of only 12 national Institutes of Technology licenced by vocational training to students aged 14 and above. It is areas. UCW delivers the courses in partnership with Bath to the Group and its key services, such as Prison Education. the Department for Education to support local employers regarded as one of the top further education colleges in the Spa University, UWE Bristol and Hartpury University. UCW is Forward Futures is often the first step for applicants develop higher level skills and train employees for the jobs UK, and is the only college in the West of England to be rated rated ‘Gold’ in the Teaching Excellence Framework, meaning interested in beginning a career with the College, either on a of tomorrow. It is a consortium of education providers and ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The College provides education to the learning, teaching and outcomes it provides for students cover/supply or longer assignment basis. key employers across the area. Led by Weston College and approximately 30,000 learners across the UK. are of the highest quality in Britain. involving industry, education and research collaborating to design and deliver flexible, higher-level technical learning to equip people with the skills to fully participate in, and contribute to, economic growth driven by digital innovation and emerging technologies.

Inspirational Events and Investments Limited is a subsidiary Weston College’s Prison Education provision is a top- The Somax arm of the business is a logistics training centre company of the Weston College Group. It runs the performing provider of offender and detainee learning. The based at the College’s Construction Training Centre in Weston- Winter Gardens Pavilion, Lasseter’s restaurant, the Green service is recognised for its excellent teaching, learning and super-Mare, near Junction 21. It offers over 30 training courses House eatery, and the Lauriston Hotel. The company assessment; the positive outcomes it achieves for learners; and and qualifications (practical and classroom training), designed was incorporated in March 2017 and has already made a its partnership approach to business planning, which ensures to meet the needs of employers in the sector. significant contribution to the regeneration of that the curriculum meets learners’ and employers’ needs. Weston-super-Mare.

6 7 A catalyst for regeneration

As a further and higher education and at Puxton Park and the West of England West of England Institute of Technology Council, employers and Job Centre Plus Flexible and blended learning packages training provider, the Weston College Institute of Technology (Phase 1). A significant development this year has to design and develop an adult curriculum have been expanded to better enable Group recognises the contribution it that can act as a catalyst for change for adult learners to study, re-train and In 2019/20 the College has expanded been the development of the West of makes to the regeneration of North England Institute of Technology. Licenced adults requiring new skills and support to learn around life and work. Blended its partnerships and collaborations with Somerset and the wider region. by the Department for Education in April find and sustain employment. programmes in areas such as accounting, other organisations, including colleges 2020, as one of twelve IoTs nationally, health and learning support are enabling North Somerset is a diverse area, with and universities locally and nationally. It Sector-based work academies and to support local employers to develop adults who work in these to upskill coastal, urban and market towns and has taken the lead on key collaborative bespoke training pathways for the higher level technical skills and train through a delivery model that better fits rural villages. Generally, it is prosperous, projects, including West of England unemployed are broadening the range employees for the jobs of tomorrow. around their job roles. with an increasing population, but has Institute of Technology (WoE IoT) and of learning options for adults looking to Weston College is leading a regional eight LSOAs (Lower-layer Super Output Centres for Excellence – for Maths and secure employment. Employers such as partnership of education providers and Centre for Excellence in Maths Areas) within the most deprived 10% in for SEND. Alliance Care, Bristol Airport, and EDF England, all within Weston-super-Mare. By key employers to collaborate, design and have worked with the College to devise The Centre for Excellence in Maths has deliver flexible, higher-level technical providing high-quality education, training sector specific programmes that include quickly established a strong regional learning to equip people with the skills and support, the College encourages PROJECTS AND INNOVATIONS both a recognised industry qualification network of colleges. Ten colleges are to fully participate in, and contribute learners to stretch and achieve their IN THE PAST YEAR: and a guaranteed interview at the end working with the Centre on trialling new to, economic growth driven by digital academic, career and life aspirations. of the programme. 85% of learners who approaches to the delivery of maths. Centre for Excellence in SEND innovation and emerging technologies. attended a sector-based work academy By mapping our training offering to Action research into learner motivation, At Weston College we are delighted to received a suitable job offer. regional employer needs and employment engagement and pedagogical practice is be a designated Centre for Excellence Supporting Adults to Reskill opportunities, we deliver the skilled The West of England Works project being implemented across the network. in SEND, focussing on people, creating and Upskill for Employment workforce to support employers and local funded by the Big Lottery has enabled The Centre is also engaging with national a highly motivated and talented economic growth now and in the future. Covid-19 has impacted employment Weston College to build and strengthen trials linked to new thinking around workforce where inclusion is everyone’s sectors disproportionately leaving many its partnerships and develop its adult how technology and how data can be Weston College has worked closely responsibility. Working with the ETF and adults needing to re-train, upskill or apply community provision in the West of used by practitioners to promote maths with West of England Local Enterprise providers we have embarked upon a existing skills in new occupational roles. England area. Weston College leads the improvement. It is expected that the Partnership (WE LEP) and North journey of impact, entrepreneurship and The adult curriculum at Weston College partnership that aims to engage adults work of the Centre will not only improve Somerset Council to create unrivalled inclusion for the SEND agenda, ensuring is designed to be responsive and agile and young people who are furthest away post-16 maths outcomes at the College training resources. April 2019 saw the it is led from the top of the organisation. to the changing skills need of the region from education and employment. It has but will also support improvements within opening of two major investments, Since its inception in May 2019 the College alongside supporting those impacted by supported many young people and adults institutions across the South West region. supported by the LEP, both developed in is supporting the co-ordination and Covid-19 to get back into work. We have from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain close consultation with local employers: dissemination of best practice and CPD to been working closely with key partners employment through a community-based the Animal Management Education Centre other providers and employers nationally. such as the LEP, WECA, North Somerset support programme.

8 97 Resources to deliver for the region

The past year has seen continued It is located within the grounds of the Campus, and a ‘state of the art’ virtual investment by the Weston College Group Puxton Park visitor attraction, just off M5 classroom, the first in a UK FE setting. in new training centres, providing a high junction 21, and through the innovative Within the engineering department the quality learning environment for students and forward thinking approach of both area has been reconfigured to improve and helping to address the skills gaps in Puxton Park and the College, learners access to specialist equipment and in priority sectors in the region. and staff will have invaluable access to March 2021 we plan to open our dedicated the park’s wide range of farm, domestic Welding facility providing support to local Following the delivery in the previous and exotic species in addition to an employers and to finish the modifications. year of the Health and Active Living Skills extensive acreage of farmland, facilities Centre and the Construction Training and resources. Students will gain a real-life Our investment in digital technologies Centre with funding from the West of appreciation and experience of working has been well timed, with the creation England Local Enterprise Partnership with animals within a busy working farm of Teams Rooms and other digital and by working in partnership with North environment and popular visitor attraction, capabilities to enable the College to Somerset Council, this year has seen significantly enhancing their employability capture teaching for students not able to the opening of the Animal Management skills. The centre will deliver broad-ranging attend lessons due to distancing or self- Education Centre. study programmes offering a complete isolation. The IoT Hub at the Skills Campus provides a dedicated space for higher Working in partnership with Puxton Park progression pathway from Level 1 to education learners on the campus. and opened in January 2020, this facility foundation degree. will meet the growing demand of learners, Our other significant capital development Looking ahead, 2020/21 will see, in addition including SEND learners, to access industry- this year has been the progressing of to the completion of the IoT capital standard facilities. Furthermore, the centre the Institute of Technology (IoT). The programme in Weston-super-Mare and will facilitate the growth of training to meet capital programme for the IoT within North Bristol, much needed investment in the skills needs of the visitor economy and Weston College has been conducted in the condition of our existing estate via the land-based sectors in the region. three phases with Phase 1 being DfE condition fund capital monies and we hope to support the delivery of T Levels by The new centre has created an inclusive completed in Summer 2019, Phase 2 introducing a bespoke early years practical education facility for delivery of the being completed in Summer 2020, and learning centre, jointly funded by the DfE practical elements of the animal Phase 3 scheduled for completion in and the College, an asset much needed in management curriculum and includes March 2021. The Phase 2 works created Weston town centre. classrooms, an IT suite, wash-space and the IoT Hub, including a new suite of a student breakout area catering for over teaching and high-spec IT rooms in the 250 students each year. Lord Baker Building in South West Skills

10 11 16-18 curriculum The Year in Numbers

Despite all the challenges presented by and curriculum design is helping learners days of industry placement they provide academic year. Retention Achievement Attendance A Level Covid-19 it has been another successful gain the knowledge and skills needed learners with defined pathways into higher The following highlights the key statistics Pass Rate year for our full-time, 16-18 curriculum. for work or higher-level technical study. level technical careers. Digital Design and and performance outcomes for young Differentiated personal development based Development has been launched with 94.21% 87.16% 90.04% Learners and staff have shown significant people on Study Programmes in 2019/20.   on the attributes most demanded within a further pathways in Construction, Education ( 2.7%) ( 1.62%) (0.61%) 99% adaptability, resilience and perseverance. particular employment sector is supporting and Health to follow in 2021. The College Lockdown saw staff and students expertly young people to develop the behaviours switch their teaching and learning has gained national recognition for the business want as well as enabling them to online developing new and innovative development of a transition programme A Level GCSE Maths Growth in Proportion of prepare for life as an independent adult. ways to collaborate, share practice and at Level 2 that provides a ‘gateway’ to the high grades and English School Leaver Learners on track T Level. The programme provides extra to complete showcase their work. Examples were Applications and enrolments to the (A*-B) Re-take High Applications wide and varied and included creative time, contextualisation and development Grades (9-4) Work or Industry College continue to rise. Covid-19 has not on core skills such as English and maths Placement arts students showcasing their talent at discouraged school leavers from making 47.37% 9.4% their virtual summer show, hospitality that are crucial to learner’s progression and  the College their first-choice destination. success at Level 3 and above. ( 7.37%) 37% students completing online cookery Applications rose by 9.4% with increasing 85% challenges and health students working (5%) numbers of learners applying for Learner Outcomes in placement throughout the first wave of programmes in the regional skills priority A broadening range of options at Level 4 the pandemic. Wherever you look across areas of engineering, construction, health the College, irrespective of whether it and above and expert careers support are Growth in learners Proportion of Proportion of Conversion rate and professional services. The College has encouraging more learners to aim high. was pre or post the pandemic, young seen engagement with IAG events and progressing to Level 3 learners Level 3 learners of Level 3 A new and bespoke personal development Russell Group progressing applying to UCW learners applying people have been engaged in learning and activities increase during the lockdown. programme (ID Pro and ID6) is supporting Universities to higher to UCW enrichment opportunities that are helping New initiatives such as virtual parent final year Level 3 and A Level learners level learning to make them become some of the most information evenings, industry insight 36% employable young people in the country. to develop their professional profile and 10.4% 54.1% events and access to a virtual bridging associated network. The proportion of The College continues to be the first 75% (5%) programme designed to support students students progressing to Russell Group choice for young people looking to study to get ready to learn and effectively Universities increased by more than 10% academic and technical programmes. The transition to the College has seen in 2019/20. The proportion of learners College focus on ‘careers not courses’ engagement increase by 57%. progressing to higher apprenticeships or has shaped a curriculum that is providing degree apprenticeships continues to rise. learners with extended work and industry The College is leading the way on technical The proportion of advanced and higher placements. Industry Advisory Boards reforms as a pilot centre for the first wave apprenticeships increased by 10% in last and employer involvement in assessment of T Levels. T Levels are the next generation

12 13 Adult and part-time provision

The core focus of Weston College’s adult • Learners who require employability Achievement rates This year we continued to engage with provision concentrates on being the skills and transition support to find and In the 2019/20 academic year 90% of job centres, employers, referral partners catalyst for adults in the West of England sustain employment adult learners successfully completed and industry specific training providers to access lifelong learning, whether this their courses. to support the significant challenges is supporting adults into employment, • Learners to re-train and pursue a created by the pandemic. Our re-training providing access to higher level career in new professional or technical Increased flexibility in the learning courses and online learning are part qualifications, re-training or re-entering disciplines approach for adults studying English and of the innovative approach at Weston the labour market. The programmes of maths has continued to achieve impressive College to support the needs of the study provide adults with the necessary • Learners wanting to secure their first results, with year on year improvements long-term unemployed and people with skills, knowledge and behaviours to full Level 2 or 3 qualification in a for GCSE English at 92% and 91% of maths specific barriers. This has successfully operate effectively in life and work. The vocational discipline students passing their GCSE courses. supported adult learners progress through provision helps them to achieve the next a structured programme of individualised stage of their unique pathway, be that a • Learners to achieve key qualifications Investment in curriculum and resources learning and development. new career, a promotion or a new hobby. in English and maths The College Group continues to invest in its Proudly standing at the heart of the • Learners to gain higher-level curriculum and resources to train adults in community, Weston College has worked qualifications sectors that will drive and fuel the regional hard to provide an agile response to Covid-19 economy to support the significantly lockdowns. We exacerbated our strategy • Learners who want to gain access to challenging economy resulting in the to make education more accessible to meet higher education changing needs of the community due to the needs of all adult learners through online the pandemic. Our Business Growth team learning to support the challenges many • Learners who want to diversify their are constantly engaging with employers members of our adult community faced skills through a new hobby and seeking new opportunities for our considering increased unemployment. adult learners both with employment In a world that changed beyond The Weston College portfolio for adult opportunities and valuable insights to recognition due to the global pandemic, learning continually adapted, the flexible support curriculum design. In continuously Weston College ensured we remained approach allowed learning to continue and adapting to these changes, the College focused on providing support at the support to be provided throughout the has developed new adult provision that heart of the community both locally and national restrictions. focuses on the rapidly changing needs of regionally offering a curriculum to support: employers and the community.

14 15 Apprenticeships

Despite the significant operational Partnerships with companies such as this year. However, this will decline in The challenges created by Covid-19 on our (EPA) flexibilities to ensure our Standards and strategic challenges created by Wessex Water, Airbus, Rolls Royce, North 2020/21 with the removal of the historical apprenticeship provision with both current apprentices were able to complete their the Covid pandemic mid-way through Somerset Council and The Bristol Port Apprenticeship Frameworks and no apprentices and employers in-learning EPA and achieve their apprenticeship. the year, Weston College continued to Company have enabled the College to offer replacement at Level 2 with the new and on new business has been significant. grow its apprenticeship provision as apprenticeships in vocational occupations, Standards in many occupational areas. The current national picture displays a Our focus for the next 12 months is well as improve quality outcomes for its such as the Water Process Technician for 40% reduction in overall apprenticeship to continue to improve the outcomes apprentices and employers. Wessex Water. In addition, the College has New provision has been tailored to meet enrolments, however, as a College we are for all apprentices and mitigate the also agreed this year a partnership with the needs of employers, and includes bucking this trend with a reduction of 16%. further impact of Covid-19, especially on Weston College apprenticeship starters The Football Association to increase the new apprenticeships in health, digital, Our employer partners see apprentices apprentices who are at risk of redundancy grew by over 16% which was driven participation of underrepresented groups engineering and professional services. as one of the solutions for a successful or require a break in learning. by larger employers utilising their The Health and Active Living Skills in football through apprenticeships. Covid-19 recovery. The College will continue to support apprenticeship levy funds. These employers Centre has focussed on expanding our apprentices and employers with the now account for 74% of all apprenticeship Our strategic partnership with UWE offer in healthcare and developing new The Covid-19 communication and Covid-19 recovery planning and to build on enrolments, which has seen a growth of 14% Bristol has led to a joint delivery of apprenticeships in healthcare science management strategies for our the last few years growth, with the overall from the previous year. This growth and degree apprenticeships in engineering, and for 2021, Nurse Associates. apprentices effectively enabled aim of retaining a high quality employer development saw Weston College crowned digital, environmental health and apprentices to continue their learning The newly opened Institute of Technology responsive provision. the winner of the Training Provider of the healthcare, utilising both organisations’ and reduced the financial impact (IoT) at our South West Skills campus Year at Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship expertise in apprenticeship and degree on the College that affected many is supplying innovative and cutting- Awards for the second year running. level delivery, respectively. This has other training providers. The digital resulted in supporting growth in higher edge digital technology that is being infrastructure already in place at the The transition from Frameworks to level apprenticeships and expanded our used to improve the quality of teaching College allowed us to rapidly move our Standards has improved employer apprenticeship portfolio, which continues and learning and enables a truly virtual apprenticeship learning and assessment responsiveness, giving us greater flexibility to be a strategic growth area for the classroom experience. online. This rapid implementation was so and enabling us to create bespoke coming years. The ongoing reforms for apprenticeships successful it resulted in the majority of apprenticeship programmes tailored since 2017 have continued to shape apprentices being able to achieve their to the needs of individual employers. The level of apprenticeships that were the landscape for the College, this has apprenticeship in time. Now in our third year of transformation, enrolled this year saw a noticeable led to a strategic review of our offer, we are seeing the development of shift towards degree apprenticeships. Our timely success rates for this past year both financially and quality focussed, our apprentices’ knowledge, skills and The increase in our degree portfolio are over 10% higher than the previous by streamlining processes and having a behaviours culminate in outstanding end has seen starts increase by 31% since year despite the effects of Covid-19. The clear focus leading to the creation of our point assessment grades across many of 2018/19. Additionally, Level 2 Intermediate College was also able to successfully Apprenticeship Hub team to strengthen our Apprenticeship Standards. apprenticeships have increased by 11% implement the End Point Assessment the quality of delivery in each faculty area.

16 17 Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Weston College has been recognised The Principal and Chief Executive as The SEND Virtual Platform The Alternative Classroom for its outstanding provision which a visionary and an influential leader We have continued to significantly invest continues to lead nationally through has been recognised nationally and Throughout the national lockdown periods our EdTech strategy focussed on “digital in our resources including providing truly proactively informing the sector, sharing internationally for his integral support inclusion”; including #MyVirtualCollege innovative, alternative re-engagement good practice and developing a highly for other colleges and training providers and the abundance of digital and assistive opportunities within Butcombe Farm innovative and successful provision becoming inclusive organisations. This technologies provided the most complex enabling ‘engagement to employment’ for learners through the SEND Centre exceptional achievement allows Weston from garden to market. College to share best practice and drive learners with SEND, the opportunity to for Excellence. The College places engage in the virtual curriculum. empowerment and personalisation at a step change in the sector’s approach to the heart of its strategic plans, creating a SEND and support FE providers to create Despite the pandemic highly inclusive ethos and culture. a culture that is truly inclusive. We have: Leadership hub: influencing from the top Learners are central to the planning and • Seen the attendance of learners with Despite the pandemic, our leadership hub delivery process and are empowered SEND exceed the 90% college target to contribute to the strategic initiatives and communities of practice within the and wider college developments to SEND Centre for Excellence continued • Retained 95% of learners with SEND ensure they are fully involved in the to create truly inclusive FE cultures by decision-making process and shaping the supporting a significant number of college • Achieved 87% overall success rates for SEND provision for future learners. This leaders and SEND practitioners at other learners with SEND (93% for HN and provides SEND learners with high-quality organisations to ensure learners achieve 96% with an EHCP) accessible and sustainable ‘in-county’ their aspirations, through: • Engaged with over 1300 SEND provision, including a residential training • Improving the quality of provision practitioners and employer across the element for learners with autism and the through motivating staff and learners sector to share best practice Sensory Learning Base for learners with profound, complex and multiple learning • Creating an inclusive culture with SEND • Continued to expand our innovative difficulties – both not usually seen outside learners at its heart practice for learners with SEND of specialist colleges. providing exceptional support in world- • Making SEND learners a top priority to class facilities to over 1,500 learners. ensure they succeed in adult life.

18 19 Law and Professional Services Academy

The Weston College Group’s Law and Learners on these courses significantly The VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) Professional Services Academy is outperform national averages in terms of for the CILEx provision also allows learners the regional centre of excellence for results for the fourth consecutive exam access to over 200 online recorded professional services education. window, with a 100% pass rate on almost lessons and other online resources. These facilitate a more flexible blended The Academy provides learners with all CILEx Level 3 and 6 units. learning approach for professionals, professionally accredited training in The first CILEx graduates from the as an alternative when work or family law, business, human resources, academy are now working as legal commitments prevent them from being administration, management, finance, professionals and the first Legal able to attend classes. accounting, computing, IT and other Apprentices have successfully completed professional services. the new Paralegal and Chartered Legal The Law and Professional Services Academy also offers a wide range of The academy offers classroom and Executive Apprenticeship standards. management courses and work-based work- based learning options and The Academy also offers Chartered Institute learning options at Level 3 through to nationally recognised qualifications so of Personnel and Development (CIPD) degree level. The academy provides employers can train new staff and upskill courses including the Level 5 Certificate in bespoke provision and is responsive to existing employees. Human Resources Management and Level 3 employer’s needs. As a result of Covid-19 The Group’s Business Growth team and 5 HR Apprenticeships. a plethora of new online fast track courses have been developed to respond to a supports employers throughout the The five Association of Accounting process, providing expert guidance on growing need from business to upskill Technicians (AAT) courses offered by the how to fund the programmes through their existing workforce to support Academy are equally popular and learners either the government’s apprenticeship managing remote teams and remote studying the AAT qualifications achieve levy or through government apprenticeship performance management. well with achievement rates significantly funding for small employers. above national benchmarks. The Academy has enjoyed a number of notable successes this year. During 19/20 the Law and Professional Services Academy has expanded the The number of students on the six provision further to meet learner and Chartered Institute of Legal Executive employer needs with the introduction of (CILEx) courses on offer at the academy new high-quality media rich online/in class increased by 20% in 2019/20. blended learning provision in Accountancy.

20 21 University Centre Weston

University Centre Weston (UCW) is the people in our communities to upskill and for multiple Chartered Institute of rated above the top quartile satisfaction higher education division of the Weston reskill for higher technical careers working Environmental Health (CIEH) Excellence rate of 90% – Business Management and College Group. It was awarded University closely with a range of employer partners. Awards, winning Team of the Year. Sport Studies. Centre status in 2016 and continues to build upon its identity bucking the New full Honours Degrees in Games and Covid-19 posed significant challenges but UCW will continue to focus on offering national trend by continuing to grow Animation Production, Applied Computing UCW’s response was robust, ensuring quality, work-based courses in outstanding its student numbers. The number of HE and Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for student support, learning, teaching facilities to meet the strategic aim of students grew by 8% in 2019-20. Production, have contributed to growth. and assessment continued throughout appealing to students from diverse A new Environmental Health Practitioner lockdown. UCW worked with its awarding backgrounds, and fulfil its commitment to Over 1,000 students are now enrolled on Degree Apprenticeship was developed partners to amend assessments where provide an outstanding higher education its 40+ courses, with a broad range of experience, enabling success and and Foundation Degrees in Applied required to ensure students could subjects and degree-level qualifications on inspiring ambition. Computing and Public and Environmental complete their programmes. As a result, offer. The number of students undertaking Health successfully converted to full 40% of Honours students achieved First Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Honours Degrees for delivery from Class Honours and continuation levels continues to grow with UCW partnering September 2020. with the NHS, public sector organisations were over 92%, higher than previous such as the Ministry of Defence and Part of the reason for UCW’s continued years and most recent benchmarks. Staff companies such as Airbus and GKN success in such a competitive marketplace found innovative ways to enable end of Aerospace to deliver training for their is the quality of the provision on offer. The year shows, exhibitions and film festivals staff. Increasingly the Higher and Degree coveted Teaching Excellence Framework to continue through lockdown and Apprenticeship agenda is driving growth Gold award UCW first achieved in 2017 students were still able to showcase their of higher technical skills for the regional was extended until summer 2021 based on outstanding achievements. and national economy. the quality of data outcomes. UCW’s national student survey results With the West of England Institute of UCW has received a number of accolades were positive, with seven of the eight Technology (IoT) status being awarded and awards in 2019-20. UCW’s support staff aggregated assessment areas scoring to Weston College in April, there has were asked to deliver an OFS (Office for above the national average sector wide been significant capital investment in Students) good practice webinar regarding figures, with assessment and feedback resources for digital, health and advanced UCW’s integrated approach to inclusion in being 2% higher than the top quartile engineering UCW learners. The IoT is relation to enabling student achievement. figure. Three programmes, Early Years, designed to respond directly to higher business graduate Henry Green was AOC Film and Media Arts Production and technical skills gaps in the regional and HE Student of the Year runner up, and Popular Music all had 100% student national economy, supporting many more UCW staff and students were nominated satisfaction rates. Two additional courses 22 23 Blended learning

The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting support staff in planning engaging digital Classroom will also present a valuable UK lockdown was a catalyst for rapid delivery and devising solutions to the facility for adult retraining in the current adoption of technology in teaching, many challenges faced by educators in climate, providing a high-quality digital learning and working. Since 2017, the response to Covid-19. classroom experience for those that may College’s education technology strategy be re-entering education. set the goal to embed Microsoft Office Development of digital learning resources 365 cloud applications into the digital has continued to grow with the creation The opportunity to rethink and reshape teaching and learning. and launch of a full suite of online modules curriculum to embed blended learning and for the College’s Individual Development flexible digital delivery models has never Microsoft Teams was first introduced at been greater. Our education technology (ID) programme. This included bespoke scale in 2018 as the core application for strategy has ensured the resources, modules for work placement and learners to access their ‘community of support and facilities are well-aligned to careers guidance, and more. Fully online learning’, course resources and enhance realise flexible and innovative approaches the connectivity with course tutors and qualifications have also been developed to curriculum delivery as part of 2021/22 other learners. This foresight ensured for Access to Healthcare, Sport and curriculum planning. The College’s Weston College was well-placed to switch Enterprise. The implementation of two medium and long-term vision for digital to a digital delivery model, alongside industry leading video learning platforms education will respond to the national wider student support services for what (ClickView and LinkedIn Learning) has also demand for highly flexible, responsive became the #MyVirtualCollege initiative. extended the high-quality digital learning and accessible learning opportunities, resources for learners and staff. underpinned by skilled digital practitioners The emergency response to remote and outstanding learning resources. teaching highlighted the digital capability The newly installed Virtual Classroom and resilience of the Weston College using Barco WeConnect technology was workforce, rapidly integrating more completed in October 2020 as a joint efficient working practices through digital development project with Jisc. This UK collaboration and communication. The first for further education will seek to College has committed to a forward focus further develop digital delivery models, on planning for learning and developing including active learning and participation effective digital curriculum. Employing a to improve challenge and engagement. practitioner-based Digital Coach team to With ease of accessibility, the Virtual

24 2325 Forward Futures Limited

As the primary onsite temporary Regardless, the same yearly challenges Key developments: • An effective and responsive service recruitment service provider to Weston arose in recruiting for areas of national • Improved website and use of to associates and in-college clients College, Forward Futures has continued skills shortages, with the same focus on social media providing a “business as usual” to provide academic, business support sourcing Forward Futures associates approach as much as was possible and service sectors cover associates at its of a high enough calibre to fill these • Social media collaborations with Weston during the pandemic. Weston-Super-Mare campuses and more gaps temporarily, or indeed have the College to specifically target candidates widely throughout the South West and potential to be successfully recruited into in wider demographic area Covid/lockdown-dependent and where permanent roles with the College. possible, the organisation has continued South East under the Prison Education • Use of of online interviews via to recruit industry-based associates, Framework contracts in Kent, Surrey and Key Focus Skype / Teams especially within the performing arts as Sussex, covering 19 prisons. well as the construction and engineering Although the pandemic and resulting • Creation of standardised sectors. This has benefited the College and Prison Education department communications via iTrent Despite, however, the exceptional departments and students by imparting circumstances around the pandemic, closures have limited the opportunities for further onsite development and support • Improved registration forms adhering to first-hand and current knowledge of the the 2019/20 academic year continued to of associates, this has also provided an paperless agenda requirements and standards expected by create opportunities for those wishing opportunity to test and further develop employers in their chosen industries. to begin or further develop their careers • Creation of iTrent electronic expense the remote operational capabilities of the There is also a continued supply of and petty cash forms in the FE and HE sector. The Forward Forward Futures head office. learning support assistants to the College’s exemplar Faculty of Inclusive Futures recruitment company is often • Working with HR to simplify the staffing With a new recruitment manager at the Practice. the first step for applicants interested structures on iTrent and cost codes helm in 2019/20, an increased level of in beginning a career with Weston Under normal circumstances, the customer focus and an improved/simplified • Simplification of timesheets, ensuring College, either on a cover supply or high calibre of many Forward Futures electronic agenda has been apparent. a more user-friendly process with less longer assignment basis – and there were associates is recognised with increasing delays and associate errors opportunities for associates to take up Regular service review meetings now numbers securing permanent roles with assignments before the pandemic took occur with deans of faculties and other • More flexible timescales for timesheet the College, year-on-year. However this hold, with the hope that a significant line manager clients within the College, submission process year and due to Covid-19 limitations, this number of these could re-start in the next and guidance is given to them regarding figure was predictably lower – but still academic year with a re-opened College. the legalities and considerations of the • Implementation of a reminder report demonstrating that this flexible workforce securing and management of agency one day prior to payroll cut-off is highly beneficial to the college and the workers with their faculties or departments. learner experience.

26 27 Inspirational Events and Investments

This year, the hospitality sector has Therefore, whilst the Covid-19 position are even stricter, and the lounge room been particularly hard hit. Following a was continually reviewed, the College at the Lauriston is now used by inclusive continued increase in the number of progressed two pieces of work. Firstly we practice students. positive cases and the indication of have transferred the use of the ballroom an imminent national lockdown, the temporarily into teaching space, primarily Secondly, recognizing the need to learn Winter Gardens and the Lauriston Hotel for the use by performing arts where from activities since it took over control, temporarily closed in March 2020. social distancing rules are even stricter, (especially in the area of economic and the lounge room at the Lauriston for viability and sustainability), the College Whilst the Lauriston Hotel was able to use by inclusive practice students. has engaged with a market leader to temporarily reopen in September, the evaluate processes and protocols with ability for the Winter Gardens to reopen Therefore, whilst the Covid-19 position the aim of ensuring the Winter Gardens its doors to the programme of events was continually reviewed, the College continues to meet its objectives of and special occasions booked remains progressed two pieces of work. Firstly, providing an outstanding community impossible in the current climate - with we have transferred the use of the facility while ensuring a secure and the prospect of large numbers of guests ballroom temporarily into teaching space, sustainable operating model. We look mixing being an unsafe proposition or primarily for the use by performing arts forward to implementing the findings of the limited number of guests allowed to students where social distancing rules the review during 2020/21. conform with social distancing making events financially unsustainable and/or failing to meet their intended purpose. Despite the reopening of the Lauriston in September, this meant that the high season was completely lost and the impact of this on the financial performance of the company is extremely clear. It presented a position that could not be allowed to continue, and together with concerns over both financial and operational performance at the Winter Gardens, change was clearly essential.

2824 29 Winter Gardens Community Board

While all sectors of the world’s economy The work of the Board has hit a hiatus are affected by the coronavirus outbreak, but the College’s aim is to return the the hotel, leisure, retail and travel industries pavilion to community use as soon as have been particularly compromised. it is permitted, safe and viable. Board members do retain responsibility for Prior to lock-down, details of the overseeing a transition back to such continuing wide-range of events were usage when the time comes. shared and noted, coupled with the commendable fact that every weekend Recent changes have included: was booked throughout 2020. Mid- Re-allocation of Board administrative week activities remained a challenge, support, addition of Community members but a summer tea dance programme and fallout from election shifts in Council was prepared to run from March until representation. This is something the September. The work of the Committee Board has managed despite the current was reported but progress has been ‘hold’ position and intends to return to a delayed on the establishment of the revised dialogue with the College after Friends Charity. the current facility review has concluded, and we look forward to contributing to Sadly the premises closed in March a positive and sustainable future for the 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19 and Winter Gardens. government advice on entertainment venues. Interim meetings have not been held face to face but continuous communications between the Chair and the College have continued during the pandemic.

30 31 Prison Education

Weston College is one of the “Big Four” • Second year PEF contract increased services to provide community hubs for Covid-19: key prison education providers in the UK. annual income from £15,943,203 to information; enhancement, equality and Following 6 years’ successful delivery of £16,370,160 per annum (April 2020 to diversity and resettlement activities in • Contractual Covid Relief Payments the OLASS 4 contract in 10 South West March 2021), with further funding and addition to promoting and supporting introduced on March 23rd 2020 to prisons which concluded at the end of ongoing bids for DPS contracts. improved literacy for life and work. maintain delivery during Covid-19 March 2019, Weston College commenced epidemic. • Large scale CPD programme roll-out delivery of the new Prison Education • Successful Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) contracts for Information, Advice in order to upskill the high volume • Weston College led the way in the Framework (PEF) contracts in 19 prisons of unqualified or underqualified staff development of a robust large scale in 2 Lots in the South West and 1 Lot in and Guidance (IAG) service at HMP Bristol, Eastwood Park and Portland. transferred by previous provider. in cell learning resource provision to the South East from April 2019. maintain engagement at the start of • DPS contracts secured for the delivery • Production of a new PEF Operating the Covid-19 epidemic. of art, virtual campus co-ordination and Manual defining quality assurance Key points and highlights: processes in line with Weston College • Implementation of robust health and assessors qualifications. • Timely commencement of the new format and new Ofsted Education safety procedures and risk assessments Prison Education Framework (PEF) • Unprecedented level of investment in Inspection Framework (EIF). to maintain staff welfare during the new IT hardware and software coupled Covid-19 epidemic. contracts in the South West for Lot 1 • Introduction of New Teacher Quality with broadband roll-out and virtual (5 prisons in Avon and South Dorset) Management Plans (TQMP) produced • A number of HMPPS/MOJ short scrutiny campus enhancement. and, for Lot 4 (4 prisons in Devon and to meet PEF contract specifications and visits took place from HMIP inspection North Dorset) and in the South East for • Successful bid for Investors in People financial KPI. teams with considerable success seen at Lot 8 (10 prisons in Kent, Surrey and Platinum accreditation gained by PEF as HMP Bristol. Sussex including 3 women’s prisons and 1 • Multiple creative art entries submitted well as Weston College main site staff. foreign national prison) on 1st April 2019. to the Koestler Trust Awards with many • Successful virtual PEF Academic • Increased library service contracts prize winners. Conference took place focusing on EIF. • New prison education contractual, within the PEF contract to 7 prisons in academic and financial year now runs • Art lecturer from HMP Standford • HMP Bristol was the first adult prison the South West at HMP Bristol, HMP from April to the end of March. Hill was nominated for a prestigious in England to recommence face to face Portland and HMP The Verne in Lot national Butler Trust Award. delivery during Covid-19. • New PEF contracts increased annual 1 and HMP Channings Wood, HMP income from £9,315,530 to £15,943,203. Dartmoor, HMP Exeter and HMP Guys • Introduction of online CPD programs (April 2019 to March 2021). Marsh, developing and extending Library including CET, TAQA and Business and Learning Resource Centre (LLRC) Administration Apprenticeship.

32 33 Strategic partnership

Partnership working is a key focus of the Weston College Group. We work with businesses and organisations across the region and beyond to provide the skills that employers need for their future workforce.

The partnerships we share with UWE’s partnership with Weston Weston College is a key local partner Weston College, and our involvement College goes from strength to strength. for North Somerset Council. This year with University Centre Weston, are It is a genuine privilege to work with we’ve been working closely with Weston highlights to us at Bath Spa University. such a forward thinking, innovative and College to develop and deliver our The outstanding work of the College, entrepreneurial organisation who share Employment and Skills Strategy for and its national recognition as an our commitment to student experience, North Somerset. This document will education provider of excellence, make collaboration and impact for the West help us to bring together partners to it a privilege to work with them. The of England region. With a continued and support our residents into good quality combination of business acumen and unwavering focus on exceptional quality jobs and progression opportunities. The profound care for the student experience they have many very happy learners, College is a vital part of North Somerset’s are unique in the region and a beacon customers and partners who, like us, employment and skills landscape and for others to emulate. are champions and advocates of their provision and support to our Weston College. residents is outstanding. Sue Rigby Professor of Higher Education and Jo Midgley Jo Walker Vice-Chancellor, Bath Spa University Pro Vice-Chancellor, University Chief Executive, North Somerset Council of the West of England, Bristol

28 35 Weston College is a key local Skills is a key issue for Lloyds business Weston College is one of the largest Weston College has continued on Weston College is a key local partner Weston College is a key strategic partner for Aerospace Bristol. We have customers and Weston College offers and most successful colleges in our its growth trajectory this year, playing an for Weston Chamber of Commerce, partner offering a vibrant and employer successfully collaborated on many courses and apprenticeships relevant for region, a great champion of AoC’s important role in the regeneration supporting businesses in the town to access focused provision. The College is working initiatives to support our charity, including employers, providing industry-standard ‘#LoveOurColleges’ campaign and central of Weston and beyond. It delivers a skills advice and training programmes. with us to attract talent from our local hosting events, working in partnership training facilities. to raising the awareness of the strategic range of excellent training solutions to We have joined forces on initiatives communities for a wide range of NHS on a media filming project and hopefully importance of all our South West FE local businesses, has modern state of the during the pandemic, creating a spirit of careers whilst developing our staff with industrial placements to support our By working with the team at Weston colleges. art facilities across all its campuses and communication and collaboration, including future focused skills for transforming care. volunteers. College, we have successfully delivered demonstrates a strong tradition the successful Wednesday Working Lunch The Health and Active Living Skills Centre business events and they make it easy to Over the last six years, Principal and Chief of innovation. series and the Weston Place Agency to is providing new opportunities for close This highlights some of the support work in collaboration in addressing the Executive Dr Paul Phillips has been the ensure a bright future for our local economy partnership working and co joined available from the College. We look South West skills gaps. South West College representative on the We are pleased to work alongside Weston and business community. delivery of skills and training. forward to developing this partnership AoC National Board and has ensured that College on a range of business support during 2019/20 and beyond. Chris Loach the views of the South West members has initiatives helping to make sure that North Sue Shillabeer Robert Woolley Area Director, Somerset, Lloyds Bank informed the work and campaigning of AoC. Somerset is a place where ideas can President, Weston Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, University Hospitals Amy Seadon flourish and businesses can grow. Bristol NHS Foundation Trust Learning and Community Engagement The College is another excellent example Manager, Aerospace Bristol from the South West of how an FE College Angela Hicks can assist and lead the national debate on Chief Executive, North Somerset the skills agenda. Enterprise Agency

Ian Munro Area Director (South West), Association of Colleges

36 37 Our partnership with Weston College Weston’s skills rebirth has moved As one of the region’s largest single Weston College is an important It has been a real inspiration for locals has been invaluable to us in so many up a gear, with new centres for health location employers offering a wide range of partner for Visit Somerset, supporting to see Weston College not only thrive but ways. We have collaborated on numerous and sport, construction skills, maths exciting career opportunities it is fantastic businesses across Somerset and beyond. achieve Ofsted Outstanding status as well successful initiatives across various and special needs to complement the to collaborate with Weston College across 2020 has been an incredibly challenging as expanding its offering and recently departments and many of our staff university centre. a number of initiatives. Weston College year for the visitor economy but the providing university degrees for its own members have furthered their educational consistently delivers excellent training College has been visible and supportive, brand as well as its partner universities. aspirations and have received excellent They mean local employers and investors solutions for local businesses and with which is the exactly the spirit of our training at the college. However, the most can find capable, qualified staff in almost leading edge facilities, community outreach Its outreach into the community in the last significant product of our partnership is any sector you care to name. Weston can partnership – collaboration. In the past and skills programmes. We look forward to few years, we have successfully worked few years offering time, effort, expertise our on-site animal education facility. be proud of its College. developing this partnership further in together to deliver projects including and collaboration has been very welcome When we opened 14 years ago, many local the future. digital media and hosting events regarding by businesses small and large. We look John Penrose children came to visit our park and now, as the skills agenda, inclusivity and the forward to seeing the continued rise of its young adults, they have the opportunity MP, Weston-super-Mare Dave Lees importance of health and well-being. The student numbers so that we can truly call to come back and pursue a career in CEO, Bristol Airport value of this partnership is unrivalled and ourselves a university town. Animal Management. We take great pride the relationship is built on a foundation of in providing our future animal keepers, partnership working and communication, Michelle Michael farmers, veterinarians and veterinary with a shared agenda. This will ensure we Director, Grand Pier technicians an environment that feeds their desire to learn and develop the skills continue to support the region, together, necessary to follow their career dreams. during and following the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and beyond. We are so grateful for our partnership with Weston College and we look forward John Turner to building our relationship with them for Chief Executive Officer, Visit Somerset years to come.

Alistair Mead Managing Director, Puxton Park

38 3933 Weston College has been actively ADLIB are proud to have been invited Weston College is an important and We enjoy an excellent working Weston College is an important supporting businesses during Covid-19 to be on the Weston College Digital valued partner of Somerset Chamber relationship with Weston College. Covid-19 and valued member of the West of through their Wednesday Working Lunch Industry Advisory Board. With the tech of Commerce. 2020 has presented has been a hugely challenging time for England Initiative at Business West. series, which was positively received. Their industry evolving at pace, with Weston many challenges, but the College has lots of businesses and it’s clear that 2020 has presented many challenges, Covid-19 Recovery Hub provides clear College, this Digital Industry Advisory responded by being visible and supportive the team are proactively supporting but the College have responded by being guidance in one place for SMEs to access, Board has a purpose for us to have direct to both the Chamber and our business employers with options regarding skills visible and supportive to businesses which is helpful as employers understand input into the College curriculum. membership throughout the pandemic. development, and as a key stakeholder of and stakeholders in the region. We look the support and government incentives Skills remains an important theme for our the College, we are regularly informed of forward to developing this relationship available during the pandemic. We enjoy Nick Dean region to prosper in 2021 and beyond, their plans and progress. We look forward for the benefit of the region in 2021 an excellent working relationship with the Managing Director, ADLIB and I’m confident that our excellent to developing this positive relationship and beyond. College and we look forward to developing relationship with the College, which is built over the next 12 months, helping this relationship in the next 12 months. on a foundation of strong communication businesses across the region invest in their James Durie and a shared agenda, will continue to people and the opportunities the new Chief Executive, Bristol Chamber & West evolve for the benefit of the region. Sam Holliday economy is presenting. of England Initiative, Business West Development Manager, Federation of Small Businesses Alistair Tudor Matt Hatcher Operations Manager, Somerset Chamber Director, Natwest Bank of Commerce

40 3341 Impact on students

As soon as I started my apprenticeship The Art Foundation Diploma really It’s fantastic to get the results I was Studying at Weston College enabled During my course, I completed a The staff and students create a fun I saw how important it would be in my opened my eyes to the fashion world. It hoping for, I’ve learnt a lot of skills that me to achieve my ambition to work with placement at PureComms. It gave me and enjoyable learning experience. development. I was introduced to an provided the perfect balance between have prepared me for university, I set tough animals. an understanding of the industry and entirely new concept of leadership. business and creativity. targets but the tutors were really accessible opened my eyes to potential future Eli which helped me get the results. Arianne career paths. Brickwork Dan Harriet Animal Management Leadership and Management Art and Design Joe Josh Eli aims to go onto an apprenticeship and A Levels After a college placement at Green Computing and IT has the ambition to have his own business. Dan went on to win Gloucestershire After graduating, Harriet moved to Ohio, Pasture Vets, Arianne gained employment Apprentice of the Year 2020 and is USA to work for Abercrombie and Fitch. Joe went to Durham University to study there too. Josh is now a Cyber Security Apprentice currently the Director and joint owner Harriet then progressed to become a Politics and Economics; his twin brother with BT. - ASGuk (Systems) Limited fashion designer for Old Navy in San Sam went to the University of Birmingham Francisco. to study Chemical Engineering.

42 43 Impact on employers

Weston College works with employers Weston College are a key part of the This is our fourth year of working Weston College has supported our Young The 2019/20 academic year was The Bristol Port Company relationship across the South West and beyond to business community both in Weston and with Weston College in the delivery of a Talent Programme, helping us to reach once again a year of strong collaboration continues to grow momentum and the deliver training solutions to address their the region. Investment in skills training range of specialised engineering degree over 10,000 people in 12 months, which has between Weston College and industrial 19/20 academic year has seen 10 Level 3 skills needs and provide them with high- and facilities, working collaboratively with apprenticeships. I believe we have a true received regional and national recognition. partners such as ourselves in spearing Management apprentices complete their quality training, including apprenticeships. employers, and providing skilled graduates partnership with the College. The College the development of the West of England courses, all passing with Distinction and are all important to the prosperity of listens and reacts to us and our apprentices Our bespoke Thatchers Brand Academy Institute for Technology. As an Anchor gaining their Functional Skills qualifications Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset over suggestions for improvements and Apprenticeship, created in partnership employer GKN Aerospace continues to be where required. We launched the new class and the wider region. Albert Goodman areas that require attention. The marketing with Weston College, has created a new excited to be supporting the continued of 2020 during lockdown with another Level 3 Management apprenticeship are actively supporting this agenda by and recruitment team have gone out of source of talented employees and we development of the West of England IoT. Weston College is a significant and programme of 12 learners. Alongside this we partnering with the College to deliver their way to support us in our unique were delighted to not only win the Weston We see it as key to helping us to develop valued partner not only in the Weston Area continue to teach 11 senior leaders who are the NextGen Speaker Series, bringing requirements for candidate assessments. College Employer of the Year Award, but our talent pipeline. Health Trust but increasingly with University working towards their Level 5 Leadership inspirational business speakers to Weston, also our apprentice Molly received the Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. Vital to its success will be employers working apprenticeship and all will complete in early highlighting the town as a fantastic place to The option for our first year apprentices Apprentice of the Year Award at the 2019 to live in halls is also a major plus point Weston College Business Awards. with the IoT to assist in the development 2021. We also completed during lockdown They have an innovative and ambitious study, live, work and grow a business. for our scheme and undoubtedly helps to of the curriculum, therefore ensuring the a two day commercial training programme approach to training, development and put both apprentices, and parents, minds We look forward to developing this learning it delivers keeps pace with emerging with 5 new supervisors, who had no previous learning and are leading the way for others Chris Walford at rest when leaving home for the first successful partnership in the future. digital and innovative technologies. This is management experience, but stepped up to follow. Partner, Albert Goodman time. All of this is reflected in the excellent essential to enable our present and future during the pandemic period. All 5 have since secured full-time supervisory roles and will results across the four year groups and Martin Thatcher employees to fulfill their potential and Jeff Farrar be embarking onto the next cohort of Level 90+ apprentices we currently have under Managing Director, Thatchers therefore for businesses to grow. Chairman, Weston Area Health Trust 3 Management apprentices in 2021. It is also training with University Centre Weston. and University Hospitals Bristol, NHS Looking towards 2021 we are hoping to likely that another Level 5 cohort of leadership apprentices will be in place for 20/21. Foundation Trust see this collaboration strengthened further Philip Rotherham with exciting developments on the horizon We have also undertaken the following Senior Apprentice Scheme Manager, regarding the Bristol delivery provision of additional training: BE - Car and trailer driver Ministry of Defence the IoT. training, BE - Car and trailer duty of care driving assessments and D1 minibus training. Paul Ashbee David Brown Technical Training Manager, GKN Aerospace CEO, The Bristol Port Company

44 45 The year in headlines

Lecturer wins English Veterans Award Learner wins regional apprenticeship award Learners benefit after lecturers join elite Animal Management alumni wins Scholarship Tutor from Weston College at HMP Standford National Employer of the Year – A Landslide A lecturer has won a major accolade for his James Morris, has been named the Civil Microsoft group Award Hill wins Butler Trust Award Victory for the College service as a Royal Marine and achievements Engineering Contractors Association South Louise Pratten, Shaun LaTouche, Marcus Banks from Clevedon received an award Nikki Dennington, tutor and assessor at HMP This year’s winner of the prestigious Employer since leaving the forces. Dave Beresford, who is West Apprentice of the Year. James picked up and Lynne Richards have been awarded from Professor Iwan Davies, Vice-Chancellor of Standford Hill won a well-deserved award for her of the Year at the Lloyds National Business a Public Services lecturer, received the Lifetime his award at CECA’s Annual Members’ South Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert status Bangor University. Marcus previously studied the outstanding contribution to using the arts, often Awards. Achievement Award at the English Veterans West Lunch. giving them the opportunity to join Microsoft’s Animal Management BTEC Extended Diploma with prisoners experiencing additional difficulties. Awards. global network of educator experts. This means at College and is now studying Zoology with a wealth of benefits and possibilities for learners. Herpetology at Bangor University.

Platinum Status for Weston College Apprentices continue to provide invaluable Leading Tech employers endorse Weston Weston College and Dr Paul Phillips CBE win Learners Triumph at Prestigious BTEC Awards Students selected nationally for FA Leadership Building on its existing Gold accreditation and support to the frontline College’s new Digital T Level programme Double Gold at the UK Business Awards Two learners were celebrated at the prestigious Academy Champion status, the College received Platinum Weston College had just over 350 apprentices Leading digital companies, Wiltshire based The UK Business Awards was held virtually for BTEC Awards. Finley Nock received the Silver Seven college students across the UK have as a result of a whole-College approach to in key worker roles during the pandemic, this Zircon Software, and Somerset based Eloquent the first time, but this didn’t stop Dr Paul Phillips award in Health and Social Care Student of the been selected to attend the annual FA prioritising the development and well-being of represents about 18% of the College’s total Technologies and Cardstream, have pledged CBE winning GOLD and being crowned Leader Year category and Emma Browning received Leadership Academy (FALA) - two of those its employees. apprenticeship provision. These ‘exceptional’ their support to Weston College and the new for the Future for his leadership shown during the Bronze Award in the category Engineering seven were Weston Sport learners Katie apprentices continued to battle the frontline qualification, by committing to take on Covid-19 in creating #MyVirtualCollege. Student of the Year. Sharkey and Ethan Reed. in: hospitals and care homes; utilities services; Digital T Level learners for their Industry childcare settings; emergency services; plus, Placements. 46 transport and logistics organisations. 47 The year in numbers 1.1% Social Sciences

Finance Demographics 6.4% 5.4% Science and Income Expenditure Students by gender Number of enrolments (UCW) Enrolments by faculty Arts, Media 0.6% Mathematics and Publishing Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care £33,610,000 £42,022,000 48.7% 4.0% Funding body grants Staff costs Male 765 Full-time Retail and 8.0% Commercial Business, Administration, £8,958,000 £420,000 51.3% Enterprise Finance and Law Tuition fees and contracts Restructuring costs Female 297 Part-time 5.6% Construction Students by age £4,552,000 £18,641,000 Number of enrolments (excluding PEF) Planning and the Other grants and contracts Other operating expenses Built Environment 48.0% Under 21 1.1% £17,140,000 £2,201,000 94 Education Other income Depreciation Under 16 17.5% and Training 21 to 30 6.8% 9,723 £18,000 £909,000 16 to 18 Engineering and Investment income Interest and other finance costs Manufacturing 34.5% Technologies Over 30 13,873 £64,278,000 £64,193,000 19 and over Total income Total expenditure 38.5% Preparation for Life and Surplus 23,690 Work (*includes 11.6% Total English and Health, Public £85,000 Adults Maths and Services and Care Surplus before other gains and losses More than 6,465 people aged 19 or Employability skills) over are enrolled at the College; 1,521 £2,109,000 on an apprenticeship and 1,062 studying 0.4% Surplus before pension adjustments higher education courses at University History, Philosophy and Theology (ESFA Specific) Centre Weston. 3.2% 3.7% 3.6% Leisure, Travel Languages, Information and and Tourism Literature Communication Technology 48 All numbers presented subject to external audit inspection. 49 and Culture Corporation during the academic year 2019/20

Governor Role Background Governor Role Background

Paul Ashbee Governor Industry Jo Midgley Vice Chair of Corporation and Chair of CQC Governance Committee Higher Education

Mark Canniford Chair of Audit Committee and Lead Governor for Safeguarding Commercial Alex Nestor Governor HR and Commercial

Chris Carter Vice Chair of Corporation and Chair of Finance Committee Legal Maxine Park Staff Governor (Academic) Education

Tim Cowley Vice Chair of CQC Governance Committee Industry and legal John Penrose Corporation Associate MP for Weston-super-Mare

Gemma Day Governor Commercial and HR Dr Paul Phillips Principal and Chief Executive Education, Business and Finance

Ann Driver Governor Education and Governance Ian Porter Lead Governor for Health and Safety Industry

Simon Earles Governor Industry George Reah Corporation Associate Industry

Andrew Leighton-Price Chair of the Corporation, Chair of Forward Futures, Prison Education, SOMAX, Audit and Finance Fiona Waters Staff Governor (non-academic) Education (Chair from Feb 2019) Inspirational Events and Investments, and Releasing New Potential

Katie Wilkinson Student Governor (HE) Education

50 51 Contact us

01934 411 411 Knightstone Campus Construction Training Centre Knightstone Road, Weston-super-Mare, Locking Head Drove, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2AL BS24 7NA www.weston.ac.uk Loxton Campus Winter Gardens [email protected] Loxton Road, Weston-super-Mare, South Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 4QU BS23 1AJ

South West Skills Campus Locking Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 8NL

Teaching Excellence Framework T Q’ A P F H  F E 

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