Weston College Group

Annual Report 2016/17 The 2016/17 academic year has seen massive In terms of the College Group’s developments, changes, not only throughout the Weston College the 2016/17 academic year saw some of our most Group but also across the further education sector. ambitious projects come to fruition......

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Phd DLit EdD Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Phd DLit EdD Principal and Chief Executive Principal and Chief Executive Contents

Welcome Weston College Strategic partnership page 4 page 32 £18 million 16-18 curriculum Working with over Overview of the Weston College Group page 12 Impact on students invested in a new 97% page 6 page 36 2,500 Law and Professional apprenticeship employer Adult and part time provision A catalyst for regeneration page 14 Impact on employers businesses Services Academy satisfaction rating page 8 page 38 Apprenticeships and university centre The resources to deliver for the region page 16 The year in headlines page 10 page 40 SEND page 18 The year in numbers page 42 Law and Professional Services Academy page 20 Coming in 2018/19 page 44 University Centre Weston page 22 Corporation page 45 96% 98% Inspirational Futures Trust page 24 average success rate for 99% of SEND learners offender learning A Level pass rate progressed to Teaching School Alliance page 26 vocational courses meaningful destinations Forward Futures Limited page 27

Inspirational Events and Investments page 28

Offender Learning Services 2 page 30 3 Welcome

The 2016/17 academic year has seen learning provision; and Operations, which The year also saw some of the best exam massive changes, not only throughout the manages the back-office services such results to date. Across the College Group, Weston College Group but also across the as finance, estates, IT and marketing , as national benchmarks are consistently being further education sector. well as analysing the feasibility of new exceeded, and many of the results we are Alongside exciting and innovative opportunities and markets. seeing break previous College records curriculum developments in construction, The government has refocused its in terms of achievement. These fantastic engineering and sport, the College Group approach to delivering work-ready skills These new groups seek to utilise the results include A Levels, where 49% of has created inspiring new facilities that through education, introducing the significant experience and expertise of students earned the highest grades of B prove that Weston College is leading Apprenticeship Levy and announcing the the College Group’s leadership team, and above, and University Centre Weston, the field by creating the best learning new T Level qualifications which will seek strengthen the Group’s core business which was rated ‘Gold’ under the new environments for further education to add the recognition and respectability functions, and enables us to better adapt Teaching Excellence Framework. students, adult learners, apprentices and of A Levels to professional and technical and respond to the changing landscape in the students of University Centre Weston. courses. the further and higher education sectors. Although the 2017/18 academic year poses many questions and challenges, the Throughout 2016/17, the Weston College The Weston College Group has resiliently In terms of the College Group’s strength and resolve of the Weston College Group developed new partnerships with handled these obstacles while driving developments, the 2016/17 academic year Group, its leadership and governance many high-profile employers from the forward change and innovation in the saw some of our most ambitious projects teams, its teaching and business support engineering, public services, and health and region and across the sector. come to fruition. The year started with staff, and its students, is unquestionable. social care sectors. We have continued the opening of a £15 million academy, I am confident that together we can face to work closely with our higher education To do this, I have restructured the College developed by Weston College as part of these challenges and use them to further partners at the University of the West of Group’s leadership team and allocated sponsorship of the Inspirational Futures our ambition of ‘creating brighter futures.’ England in Bristol and . them into three divisions, each looking Trust, and culminated in the completion after a particular aspect of the College’s of the Winter Gardens which will provide I look forward to the prospect of the business. This includes: Curriculum, which high-quality teaching spaces for our 2017/2018 academic year and the chance to oversees the creation and delivery of our students as well as a hub for community further develop the opportunities provided courses for young people and adults, activity for the people of Weston-super- by the Weston College Group. The ensuring that Weston College responds Mare. Plans are already being drawn up Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Phd DLit EdD enhanced offer to its students, businesses, to industry demand and skills shortages; for the development of more state of the Principal and Chief Executive and the community, driven by Dr Paul Commercial, which forges new business art facilities and resources, commencing in Phillips CBE and his leadership team, will connections, works with employers to 2018. without doubt lead to further successes for upskill, retrain and recruit new staff, and our learners. oversees our apprenticeships and offender Jude Ferguson Chair of Corporation 4 5 Weston College Group

Weston College is a general college of further and higher University Centre Weston offers over 40 courses across Weston College’s Teaching School Alliance is a new initiative Weston College’s Offender Learning Services is a top- education in Weston-super-Mare, delivering education a number of vocational and academic subject areas in introduced in the 2016/17 academic year which supports performing provider of offender and detainee learning and vocational training to students aged 14 and up. It is partnership with Bath Spa University and the University teachers, support staff, leaders and governors across the recognised for excellent teaching, learning and assessment; regarded as one of the top FE colleges in the UK, and of the West of England, Bristol. UCW is rated ‘Gold’ in the region to gain the skills and experience they need to be as well as positive outcomes for learners and a partnership is the only college in the West of England to be rated Teaching Excellence Framework, meaning the learning, successful. It leads on the development of school-led initial approach to business planning which ensures that the ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The College provides education to teaching and outcomes it provides for students are of the teacher training through School Direct. curriculum meets learners’ and employers’ needs. approximately 30,000 learners across the UK. highest quality in Britain.

Weston College Group aims to support its local schools Inspirational Events and Investments Limited is a Forward Futures Limited is the the College Group’s in-house and academies through a variety of means. In the 2016/17 subsidiary company of the Weston College Group which recruitment agency. It focuses on the provision of high academic year, the College Group acted as a sponsor of the runs the Winter Gardens Pavilion, Lasseter’s Restaurant, calibre associates to the Weston College Group and its key Inspirational Futures Trust. This multi-academy trust is in the Florentine Bistro, and the Lauriston Hotel. It was contracts such as offender learning. its infancy and aims to provide responsive learning across incorporated in March 2017 and has already made a a small number of schools and academies. While the Trust significant impact towards the regeneration of is independent of the College Group, Weston College has Weston-super-Mare. been happy to support its development.

6 7 A catalyst for regeneration

Weston College is working in partnership voluntary, community and social enterprise On top of enabling regeneration through Nationally, only 5% of learners choose to with North Council and the West organisations across the region. The access to high-quality education and study at a university within 20 miles of their of England Local Enterprise Partnership to programme is funded by the European Social support initiatives, the Weston College home, however the impact of the College’s regenerate and rejuvenate Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. Group has invested millions of pounds work in Weston-super-Mare has led to the and beyond through unparalleled in renovating, creating and enhancing Weston College Group accounting for 15% educational provision which expands the The College Group, in partnership buildings in Weston-super-Mare and Bristol. of degree-level qualifications in the local outlooks of learners across the region. with organisations such as North area. Somerset Council and Alliance Homes, This investment through ambitious building North Somerset is a generally prosperous launched Team North Somerset’s new projects has led to economic growth in These statistics are a testament to the area but last year was recognised as having accommodation in May 2017. Team North the local area and the enhancement of achievements of the College Group the third largest inequality gap in England, Somerset promotes economic growth, educational and employment opportunities. when it comes to increasing progression putting it on par with Northern cities such jobs, prosperity and wellbeing, while also opportunities, unlocking potential, and as Bradford and Newcastle. ensuring that disadvantaged people in The refurbishment of the Winter Gardens driving forward change to benefit the the community are given the support that complex provides space for the College community, its business partners and Weston-super-Mare itself has a number they need to gain sustainable employment. Group to expand its law and professional young people and adults across the region. of wards that fall into the top decile of The project enables people in the North services provision to promote business deprived areas and houses the highest Somerset area to access mentoring and growth and prosperity across the region, concentration of drug rehabilitation centres volunteering, and supports them to gain as well as enabling space for the College’s per hectare in the UK, partially due to qualifications in order to get them back higher education provision at University the decline in the British seaside tourism into the workforce. Centre Weston, delivered in partnership industry. with Bath Spa University and the University Through current sponsorship of the of the West of England, to expand and Weston College already plays an Throughout the 2016/17 academic year, Inspirational Futures Trust, the Weston continue to provide exceptional degree- extremely important role in Weston-super- the College Group continued to work College Group continues to drive forward level provision to the people of North Mare’s economy. As we look to the future, with its partner organisations and within a ‘learning village’ model of education that Somerset and beyond. higher education should play a significant the community to remove the barriers enables local people to access high-quality role in delivering development and to education that hold people back from courses and educational opportunities It is estimated that the College’s investment in the town centre, which is a reaching their full potential. throughout their academic lives. investment in higher education, including priority for the council. the introduction of degree-level 2016 saw the launch of the West of England The Trust also works towards addressing apprenticeships, has played a significant Mike Jackson, Works programme, which supports people skills shortages in the region through role in the 34% increase in the number of CEO of North Somerset Council towards employment through utilising the STEM-dedicated North Somerset people with degree-level qualifications in Enterprise and Technology College. North Somerset. 8 9 Resources to deliver for the region

The 2016/17 academic year saw the A new entrance to the educational portion At the Knightstone Campus the College Group continue its investment in of the building now opens out onto North commercially operating Hair and facilities and resources. Somerset Council’s Italian Gardens. Beauty Centre was refurbished and new This impressive and modern construction equipment installed, and a specialist A total of £25 million was invested in houses a number of the College’s law and classroom was created for the College creating new facilities and refurbishing professional services courses, as well as Group’s new degree-level hair and beauty and renovating existing campuses. space for the expansion of University provision. A further £20 million is allocated for Centre Weston. future developments including a Health The South West Skills Campus LibraryPlus and Active Living Skills Centre and a The historic seafront portion of the was relocated to a more integral and Construction Skills Training Centre. building, the Winter Gardens Pavilion, central part of the campus, reflecting has been sectioned off from the rest on the need for library resources as the The College’s major project for 2016/17 was of the complex and now functions as a IT, engineering and civil engineering the refurbishment of the Winter Gardens conferencing, banqueting and events space curriculum develops to offer degree- complex in Weston-super-Mare, which which is available for public use. level courses and apprenticeships. The involved the creation of new teaching former student common room has been facilities and the refurbishment of a 1920s The refurbished Pavilion has been transformed into a base for the student portion of the building to a high standard enhanced to a high standard, with services team, and the canteen has been for events, conferences and public usage. improvements made to the audio/ extended to house the influx of students on Building work began in June 2016 and visuals and new conference rooms have engineering and computing courses. progressed well throughout 2016/17, been created. The Pavilion now has the concluding before the start of the 2017/18 potential to be the most technologically Signage at all three main campuses academic year. advanced venue in the South West and was was updated, and University Campus named ‘UK Project of the Month’ by an underwent a name change to Loxton The 1980s extension was completely international audio/visual magazine. Campus to reflect the growth of university- stripped back to the original structure and level provision at each of the College repairs were conducted to the roof and Also completed in the 2016/17 academic Group’s main sites. walls. A former double-height conference year was a £3 million facility opposite the hall was split in half horizontally through Knightstone Campus which comprises the installation of a first floor, and classrooms, offices and associated welfare classrooms were constructed in the former spaces. plant room.

10 11 16-18 curriculum

2016/17 has been another outstanding Student numbers by level Progress and progression English and maths Study programme design year for Weston College’s full time 16–18 The balance of provision can be Students have continued to make good The development of English and maths The College has placed employability at curriculum. Achievement rates have summarised as follows: progress and achieve high grades. Level skills is a fundamental requirement and the heart of its study programme design. continued to improve and are now at a 6.4% Entry Level 3 students on technical certificates and expectation within the 16-18 provision The 16-18 provision prides itself on being three year high, putting the College in the applied general qualifications averaged a at Weston College. Learners who have a place that cultivates, encourages and top quartile of General Further Education distinction. A Level students averaged a not yet achieved a grade 4 or C in their grows both the behaviours and skills that providers nationally. grade C- with 42% achieving grades A* to GCSE English and/or maths are required young people will need for their future. B, a three year high. to retake it or study towards a stepping Achievement rates 14% Level 1 stone qualification such as functional skills. Each learner’s study programme is made The proportion of students applying and 2016/17 saw a larger amount of students up of the following core elements: 79.8% 82.5% progressing to higher education continues retake and successfully achieve their grade • Academic, vocational or technical to grow with more students than ever C than ever before. Over 60% of students 2014/15 2015/16 qualifications choosing to follow work-based learning who took GCSE English achieved a grade • English and/or maths skills development routes such as higher apprenticeships. C. This equates to 294 learners achieving a 86.5% 78.8% 93% of students completing their studies grade C who did not achieve this while at • Work experience and/or work related in 2016/17 progressed to further learning, school. activity 2016/17 National average training or employment. • Personal and social development • Independent study skills. Student recruitment Student satisfaction Demand for places across all subject areas Weston College students are some of the This curriculum framework, coupled with continues to grow with new areas such as 52% Level 3 most satisfied learners in the country. In the increased opportunities for learners to engineering and construction expanding 2016/17 national FE Choices survey 90% experience and get involved in competition quickly. 16-18 learner numbers exceeded of students stated they would recommend work, social enterprise, volunteering, fund 3,400 in 2016/17. the College to family and friends. This raising events and trips both locally and 27.6% Level 2 ranked the College in the top 20 General across the globe, has helped enable young Further Education Colleges in the country. people at Weston College to broaden their horizons and prepare for a ‘brighter future’. 90% 83% 18th Satisfaction National National rate average rank

12 13 Adult and part time provision

Weston College’s provision for adult Student recruitment Investment in curriculum and resources There has been significant growth in the learners focuses on supporting adults The College has continued to see growth The College Group continues to invest College’s Sector Based Work Academies. who are looking to re-engage in learning in its provision for adults, with more than in its curriculum and resources to help Employers such as Alliance Care, Notaro to develop the skills, attributes and 8,600 people over the age of 19 enrolled adults gain training in sectors that will Care, Gate Gourmet and OCS at Bristol behaviours needed to operate effectively at the College, a further 4,800 on an drive and fuel the regional economy for Airport, Dauncey’s Hotel and Silva Care in life and work, and upskill in order to apprenticeship and 867 at University the future. began to offer Sector Based Work progress to higher paid roles or change Centre Weston. Academies, and 83% of those who careers. 2016/17 saw the development of a series attended a Sector Based Work Academy Achievement rates of free courses for adults which aims to progressed into sustainable employment. The curriculum considers and reflects the In the 2016/17 academic year, 90.7% of re-engage adults with education and skills demanded by employers and industry adult learners successfully completed their enable them to find out about and access both regionally and locally. courses with a further 92.4% progressing the range of courses available across into employment, university or further the College Group that could help them In partnership with key stakeholders, the training. 92% of the College’s Access upskill, retrain or change their career. College has constructed and delivered a to Higher Education learners applied curriculum that supports: to university through UCAS with 79% The College rebranded and refocused • Unemployed learners who need receiving offers from their first-choice its traineeship and apprenticeship employability skills and transition higher education institution. provision from the top down, launching support to find and sustain employment the acclaimed ‘Begin. Believe. Become.’ • Learners wanting to secure their first full Increased flexibility in the learning apprentice recruitment campaign. Level 2 or 3 qualification in a vocational approach for adults studying English and discipline maths has yielded impressive results, with Traineeship models have been developed 96% of English and 97% of maths students with University Hospitals Bristol NHS • Learners to achieve key qualifications in passing their GCSE courses. Foundation Trust, GKN Aerospace and English and maths many others. • Learners who want to gain access to Over 60% of Jobcentre Plus referrals higher education completed employment readiness training 2016/17 also saw the launch of a digital • Learners to gain higher level and transitioned into full employment learning pilot, which will pave the qualifications within six months. way for future developments in high- • Learners who want to re-train and quality bespoke distance and eLearning pursue a career in new professional or initiatives. technical disciplines.

14 15 Apprenticeships

The Weston College Group has embraced The College Group has continued to The 2016/17 academic year saw the College the changes to apprenticeship delivery and invest in new areas of delivery, reacting to host and sponsor a number of successful funding following the introduction of the and predicting trends in the regional and events to engage businesses with planning Apprenticeship Levy in May this year. The national jobs market. Key areas of focus for the implementation of the Levy. This College is working successfully with local include construction and engineering work will carry on as the new approach and regional businesses to support their apprenticeships to support Hinkley Point C continues to be embedded and employers understanding, development and delivery and other large infrastructure projects. The seek to maximise the benefit to their of apprenticeships. Apprenticeship Team is also working with training and development plans. businesses to support their preparation The College Group’s new commercial for the impact these major enterprises division has focused on supporting will have on smaller building projects and employers to understand and recognise businesses across the region. the advantages of using the Levy to train, upskill and grow their workforces. The Working with Levy-paying employers and College’s business to business provision SMEs has been rebranded to Training Solutions, The College Group has continued its reflecting the relationship we develop work with SMEs, and has created a Levy with our partners to help them grow their Solution Service to offer advice and businesses through effective training. guidance to larger employers who are paying Apprenticeship Levy. The service Throughout the 2016/17 academic year, also offers training needs analyses, the Group has successfully started to workforce planning support and a implement the changes to apprenticeship recruitment service. funding, and its provision has grown to offer in excess of 50 different Building true partnerships with employers apprenticeship standards and frameworks. is key in order to design and deliver the This includes new apprenticeship options appropriate training to support business as part of the Law and Professional growth and employee career development. Services Academy and Future Technology This includes upskilling and retraining of Centre, and upcoming developments existing staff alongside recruitment of including the Construction Skills Training new employees. Key to this partnership Centre and the Health and Active Living approach is the flexible and bespoke Skills Centre. nature of the College’s training solutions.

16 17 Special educational needs and disability (SEND)

The specialist SEND provision for learners • Extremely high success rates of 89% SEND student in finals for student of continues to expand at Weston College, for SEND learners - on par with learners the year offering inspiring, innovative and high quality without SEND complex and significant Weston College student Mason Cherritt programmes that continue to improve barriers to learning (pictured opposite) has been named as the progression opportunities for SEND • Outstanding retention at 96% for a finalist at the Association of Colleges’ learners as well as influencing the delivery of learners with SEND Student of the Year awards, beating off inclusive practice nationally. • English and maths results have increased competition from across the country. by 5% for SEND learners Intensive support programmes are Mason has worked tirelessly to overcome delivered by highly qualified specialist • 98% of SEND learners have progressed his significant learning barriers and make practitioners and learners are empowered onto meaningful destinations hugely positive steps in both his academic to understand their disability impact, • 100% of learners at Weston Bay work and life skills. On being named as a developing strategies to accommodate residential training facility progressed finalist, Mason said: their differences and inform others onto meaningful destinations with 35% how they learn best. Each learner has a into employment in comparison to the I was really shocked when I found personalised programme that is dynamic, National Autism Society national figures out, because I realised it was nationwide. innovative and inclusive, equipping learners of 15% I’m excited to attend the ceremony, and with the transferrable skills needed to • 95% of learners with SEND rated their a parliamentary reception has been progress. The ethos of ambition and overall satisfaction as good or better organised for all finalists in January so I’m high aspirations lessens the learner’s • Continuing to gain national and excited to go to that, too. dependency on others and therefore local recognition, leading the sector sustains their future independence. by contributing to a wide range of “I’m so proud to be a Weston College initiatives and delivering at external student and I don’t ever want to leave – I’d Throughout the 2016/17 academic year, events, e.g. Association of College, even like to work as a sports teacher here the successes of the College’s trailblazer Department for Education, and Natspec. eventually. Being at the College has given approach included: me so many opportunities and I feel like • Supporting over 1100 learners from I’ve gone from having no life, to having a Entry Level courses to degree-level big life. across all Weston College campuses

18 19 Law and Professional Services Academy

Over the last year Weston College has The College’s investment in its facilities The courses can be delivered in the been expanding its well-established has led to the creation of a high-tech workplace or at Weston College, or a law and professional services provision and professional learning environment combination of the two. The College to create a new hub for legal, financial, that prepares its learners for work and has created new facilities to house the business and IT training in the South West. progression. provision, including the £15 million Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare and the Weston College’s new Law and Professional The Academy also includes a service to Law and Professional Services Academy, Services Academy specialises in work- assess training needs and business growth based in a former town centre hotel. based and academic training that responds potential for partner businesses, and to the skills shortages identified in the can work in partnership with employers region. to create bespoke courses to suit their businesses. A big focus is providing businesses with cost-effective training solutions that utilise The current Academy offer comprises the depth and breadth of the College’s A Levels and BTECs at Level 3, and provision, enabling companies and professional and technical qualifications organisations to access flexible ways to and apprenticeships up to degree-level. upskill their workforces, train new staff, or These cover a range of subjects including fill vacancies through apprenticeships. accounting, business and administration, computing, customer services, law, For young people and adults, the Academy leadership and management, and HR. enables clear pathways into the professions and towards their career goals, and the A number of University Centre Weston ability to upskill, retrain or learn entirely courses also sit within the Academy, which new skills. means that students can become qualified up to degree-level in their chosen career path, and businesses have the ability to upskill and retrain their employees to a high level of proficiency in their careers.

20 21 University Centre Weston

Since Weston College’s higher education Further investment in facilities last year Also, according to the latest figures, 95% of provision was rebranded as UCW after also included the construction of an UCW students entered into employment gaining university centre status in 2015 it industry-standard studio for the new or progressed to further study within six has enjoyed significant success in its first Foundation Degree in Hair, Make-up and months of graduating. year of its new identity. Prosthetics for Production. Ahead of the 25th anniversary of higher The achievement of a Gold award in the The number of courses on offer at UCW education at the Weston College Group in Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) now exceeds 40, with new provision 2018, there is much to celebrate and even in June places UCW among the top 20 introduced in areas including Events more to look forward to. percent of university and college higher Production and Management, Integrated education providers in Britain. Mental Health and Social Care, and Lens- based Media. The TEF Panel judged that UCW delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning The winning of prestigious contracts with and outcomes for its students of the major employers such as GKN, Rolls-Royce highest quality found in the UK. and the Ministry of Defence has also seen degree-level apprenticeships developed in The TEF recognition builds on UCW’s a number of engineering disciplines. already outstanding reputation for providing high quality, work-based Such expansion has only been possible due courses, and will be crucial to meeting the to the trust placed in UCW by Bath Spa ambitions for increasing recruitment and University and the University of the West of widening participation in the years ahead. England, Bristol – its university partners – and the successes of its students. This year saw the completion of the Winter Gardens, a new addition to the College Those who choose to study at UCW Group’s campuses which will house Weston continue to outperform key degree College’s law and professional services benchmarks, with 27% of Honours provision as well as providing teaching students awarded First Class Degrees, and and independent study spaces to UCW’s almost three quarters achieving at least degree-level students. Upper Second Class Degrees.

22 23 Inspirational Futures Trust

The Inspirational Futures Trust is a multi- • Identifying specialisms and areas The Inspirational Futures Trust has now academy trust sponsored by Weston of outstanding practice within grown to include: College that champions inclusive practice each academy to establish cross- • NSETC and aims to provide dynamic approaches organisational support • Herons’ Moor Academy to learning, combining levels of expertise • Allowing every young person across the • Bristol Futures Academy across its academies to develop the best Trust to benefit from specialist facilities learning techniques possible. and resources • St Katherine’s School • Facilitating the mobilisation of expertise • Crockerne Church of England Primary The Trust recognises that a “one size across organisations School. fits all” approach does not guarantee • Sharing good practice and experience success. Its approach of encouraging Achievement across academies and supporting difference, although 2016/17 was an important year for ambitious, allows academies to maintain • Providing high quality motivated the Trust, and has seen regional and their character and uniqueness while staff with opportunities to expand their national recognition for its work and the raising their overall quality of provision and experience and expertise. accomplishment of its students. standards. Expansion The year saw the youngest Herons’ Moor Values The year began with the North Somerset Academy students exceed the national The Trust works towards: Enterprise and Technology College averages, St Katherine’s students receive • Improving education for all children and (NSETC) moving from Weston College’s a record number of A* A Level grades, young people across North Somerset South West Skills Campus to a £15 and NSETC student Jack Healy was named and beyond million Academy in the Junction 21 BTEC Engineering Student of the Year at Enterprise Area. Likewise, Bristol Futures • Providing a high quality education a national awards ceremony. Academy moved into its permanent pathway from nursery to higher accommodation in November. The education All year 11 students at Bristol Futures creation of these dedicated facilities Academy progressed onto college or • Encouraging uniqueness and was managed by the Weston College further training and combined outcomes championing the ‘one size does not fit Operations team on behalf of the Trust. at Crockerne were above the national all’ approach average at Key Stage 2. • Refusing to compromise on quality The 2016/17 academic year saw Crockerne across all functions and academies Church of England Primary School and St. Katherine’s School join the Trust and the official opening ceremony for the Bristol Futures Academy. 24 25 Teaching School Alliance Forward Futures Limited

Weston College’s Teaching School Alliance The Weston College Teaching School The 2016/17 academic year continued the College’s quality and observations is a new initiative introduced in the 2016/17 Alliance offers a range of professional to create huge opportunities for those teams. Ongoing mentoring and coaching academic year which supports teachers, development opportunities for teachers, wishing to begin or further develop careers is offered to associates to support them support staff, leaders and governors across and school support staff by extending the in the further education sector. to reach their potential and become the the region to gain the skills and experience Weston College Group’s strong learning outstanding deliverers of education that they need to be successful. cultures to the schools it works with. It Forward Futures, the College’s in-house the College Group requires. identifies the best teachers and leaders to recruitment agency, has continued to focus The Teaching School Alliance leads on the provide professional development, tailors on the provision of high calibre associates 80% of observed Forward Futures development of school-led initial teacher development to meet the needs of schools, to the Weston College Group and its key associates were rated ‘good’ or training through School Direct. It takes an offers coaching and mentoring, evaluates contracts such as offender learning. ‘outstanding’, and a high proportion of active role in the recruitment and selection the impact of professional development these associates were offered permanent of trainee teachers and coordinates the and offers opportunities for formal One of the many benefits of employing roles with the College Group. A total of 69 initial teacher training with professional accreditation or school-based research. Forward Futures associates is that it has associates were successful in achieving development opportunities. enabled many people from industry to establishment positions within the Weston work part-time in education. This enables College Group. The teacher training plans created by the the College Group to work towards its goal Teaching School Alliance include access to of enabling its students to learn industry- These results demonstrate that Forward outstanding lessons and current teachers relevant skills from professionals with Futures secures candidates that have the for observation, planning, mentoring and valuable experience in the subject area that potential to develop longer-term careers quality assurance. they are teaching. with the College – and justifies the initial investment in many of these new teachers The Teaching School Alliance prioritises: In 2016/17, Forward Futures continued and lecturers. • Coordinating and delivering high quality to supply high calibre associates in school-based initial teacher training key recruitment areas. This includes • Providing high quality school-to-school successfully delivering Learning Support support to spread excellent practice, Assistants to the College’s Inclusive particularly to schools that need it most Practice faculty. • Providing evidence-based professional The use of ‘Fit for purpose’ observations and leadership development for teachers for Forward Futures associates within four and leaders across the alliance. weeks of an associate starting a lecturing position has returned a 100% pass rate, and associates are well supported by

26 27 Inspirational Events and Investments

Inspirational Events and Investments Limited was incorporated on the 1st March The Lauriston Hotel Lasseter’s 2017 and is the company which runs the Purchased in March 2017, the Lauriston Lasseter’s at the Winter Gardens Pavilion Winter Gardens Pavilion and the Lauriston Hotel is in a prime location in Weston- is a new fine dining restaurant set in the Hotel. super-Mare. The 37 bedroom hotel is Pavilion’s southern wing. The restaurant undergoing staged refurbishment to a is set over two floors, offering views Winter Gardens Pavilion high standard, with the second stage of across Weston’s seafront, and is open to Throughout the 2016/17 academic year, the refurbishment work set to be completed in the public. The refurbished kitchen also Winter Gardens Pavilion was refurbished the 2018/19 academic year. services the ballroom during banqueting to a high standard to update its event events. and conference capabilities. This included The hotel has the potential to be tied extensive repair work; the creation of new into the wider Winter Gardens Pavilion The Florentine function rooms, catering facilities and a offer and serve as accommodation for The Florentine is based at the rear of the new commercial restaurant; the installation ceremonies, conferences and other events Winter Gardens and is a commercially of new audio/visual equipment; and the held in the ballroom. operating bistro. hiring of a dedicated events team.

The Pavilion began accepting bookings in early 2017 through its new website www.westonwintergardens.co.uk

28 29 Offender Learning Services

Weston College’s Offender Learning they enable progression and improve learners’ progress by enabling assessment In the Koestler Art Awards competition 129 Learner engagement and achievement Services is a top-performing provider of employability. Bespoke training of learning needs and recommending learners from across Weston College’s offender and detainee learning recognised programmes for supporting learners individual support to improve their own Offender Learning Services had their Total number of learners for excellent teaching, learning and in custodial settings, trauma-informed learning and performance. work selected, with one platinum, five assessment; as well as positive outcomes learning, and autism awareness were gold and 16 silver awards won by Weston 4,211 7,375 for learners and a partnership approach to developed and implemented. As part of the Building Better College learners. Their artwork went 2015/16 2016/17 business planning which ensures that the Opportunities programme, funded by on to be displayed across the country curriculum meets learners’ and employers’ Bikes for Africa was established in IRC the European Funding Agency and the in exhibitions. Similar success was seen needs. The Verne in order to teach inmates Big Lottery Fund, the College partnered during the Penned Up literary festival and Total number of assessments - English and maths bicycle repair and maintenance skills as with West of England Works to support the Weston College Group’s first offender The College has forged a positive working well as working with the charity to provide unemployed and economically inactive art exhibition. 8,169 7,776 relationship with the Ministry of Justice and refurbished bicycles to communities in people with a criminal record into job 2015/16 2016/17 Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, Africa. A coffee shop was opened in HMP searching, education, employment In terms of teaching, 86% of lesson which supports the smooth transition Leyhill to provide work experience in and training with the aim of reducing observation grades were at good or of contracts from the Skills Funding catering prior to inmates’ release. At HMPs reoffending and promoting a functional, better – an improvement of 3% on the Total number of qualifications achieved Agency. Weston College has embraced Guys Marsh and Portland, the College happy and fulfilling life. previous academic year. the potential of the revised funding took on the contracts to run the libraries 7,749 8,235 methodology to extend the learning and developed the learning resource centre Achievement The 2016/17 academic year also saw 78% 2015/16 2016/17 provision. services. The 2016/17 academic saw many good or better Her Majesty’s Inspectorate achievements across Weston College’s of Prisons and Ofsted inspection grades Developments Weston College funded a project to pilot Offender Learning Services from learners, compared to the national average of 70%. Weston College has worked in partnership the delivery of the Award in Teaching to staff and the leadership team. English and HMP Leyhill was rated outstanding and with prison governors to prioritise and long-term prisoners as recommended in maths Functional Skills attainment across HMP Channings Wood, HMP Dartmoor, promote a whole-prison approach to the Coates report, as well as implementing the organisation is at 76%, and HMP HMP Eastwood Park, HMP Erlestoke, HMP education. During inspections, praise was a self-assessment tool for prisoners Erlestoke was the highest placed prison in Exeter and HMP Portland were all rated given to the College’s proactive training, to evaluate and identify their mental the country in the Reading Agency’s annual good. support and the use of peer mentors. health problems, and learning difficulties Reading Ahead challenge and achieved the Likewise, the robust and accurate quality and/or difficulties. This allows for the new Double Gold Award. assurance and strong leadership and implementation of learning support and management was acknowledged. highlights the need for establishment- The average success rate across wide approaches to mental health and vocational courses was 96%, and learner 2016/17 saw a shift in focus towards learning difficulties and/or disabilities. feedback collected by learner voice was prioritising Level 2 qualifications as The ‘Do It Profiler’ was piloted to support highly positive. 30 31 Strategic partnership

Partnership is a key focus of the Weston Uniting employers with education is key We are proud to work with Weston Bath Spa University and UCW enjoy The partnership between UWE Bristol College Group as it works with businesses to ensuring the economic success of not only College, as they continually strive a strong long-term partnership that has and Weston College continues to go from and organisations across the region and our business, but also our region. It is well to provide one of the best learning been mutually beneficial. Working with an strength to strength. We are uniquely beyond to provide the skills that employers known that there are significant skills gaps environments in the country. As well as outstanding partner like UCW provides the positioned to meet the skills needs for need for their future workforce. across many industries and the responsibility providing outstanding opportunities for University with the opportunity flourish in the region and have a shared ambition to to solve that lies in a partnership approach. learners in North Somerset, the College is diverse subject areas and disciplines, and provide the highest quality practice-based There’s a quiet revolution going on in a real driving force behind our economic contribute to the strategic aims of both and professionally-oriented education to all Weston, as we change from a town with “Wessex Water has identified that a crucial growth ambitions, supplying training and institutions. our learners. below-average staying-on rates and skills method of addressing our skills requirements skilled workers in key sectors including into a high skill, well-educated university is to find and support high quality training digital and creative industries, engineering, BSU is committed to continued partnership “Weston College prides itself on delivering centre town. Weston College has been the providers, such as Weston College, to design, construction and professional services. working with UCW, and along with its excellence for all its students and engine and catalyst of the change, and the develop and deliver courses, programmes outstanding staff and management, stakeholders and, as a strategic partner of entire local community supports it. and apprenticeships to fulfil our business “The College’s track record of delivery and to explore new and innovative higher the College, we have benefited from this needs. outstanding performance has enabled us education opportunities. BSU is proud to professionalism and commitment. This is John Penrose to attract major investment in new and be associated with UCW as a principle why we have committed to growing the MP for Weston-super-Mare “We’re excited to see what our joint future improved facilities over the past year. The partner, and looks forward to further joint partnership through the establishment of holds, how we can work together to ensure establishment of the Law and Professional endeavours to achieve excellence. the Institute of Professional Education, our local and wider communities understand Services Academy, the Future Technologies which will enable us to further enhance the possibilities and opportunities within Centre and the University Centre Weston Christopher Ellicott existing provision and explore new our industry, and how we can support each is at the heart of our regeneration plans for Registrar and Director of Student Services opportunities, such as the growth in other to ensure Weston College continues the town. Bath Spa University apprenticeships. to provide outstanding training which is relevant, business led and, most of all, Mike Jackson Jo Midgley effective. Chief Executive, North Somerset Council Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, Bristol Becca Thurston Apprenticeship Coordinator, Wessex Water

32 33 Working collaboratively with Weston From the beginning of the procurement Alliance Homes receives first class Weston College is very important to College, for example in supporting the selection process to identify a possible support and is proud of our strategic North Somerset, not only because of the proposed new Health and Active Living Skills additional training provider, GKN were partnership with Weston College, excellent skills training it provides, but Centre, will allow us to support the local impressed by the professionalism and collaborating on key business priorities and because of the many spin-off opportunities community and our staff to improve health proactive approach demonstrated by wider regeneration activities. for the small businesses that make up 97% and wellbeing. “Weston College plays an Weston College. of our local economy. important role in the training and education “In partnership with Weston College, we of students, both locally and more widely, “Since the selection of Weston College have established the award-winning Care “We are very pleased to continue our delivering a well-developed programme of by GKN, and the first year of delivery of Academy, which helped Alliance Living collaborative work in a number of areas training in health and social care. our programme, GKN’s experience of this Care to access a new talent pool of 50+ which will further strengthen the economy. approach from all levels of the Weston staff, and the Team North Somerset The success of Weston College is a vital “As demand for care, health and wellbeing College team has continued. This has been partnership, which has supported element in the wider success of Weston- services increases, it is essential that clearly demonstrated by feedback from nearly 200 disadvantaged people into super-Mare and North Somerset. employers have access to the skills and both the GKN apprentice training team, but, employment. training provision which will provide a as importantly, from our apprentices, who Angela Hicks flexible, multi-skilled and resilient workforce. have had nothing but positive comments Michael Williams Chief Executive, North Somerset regarding their experiences attending Business Enterprise Manager, Alliance Enterprise Agency “Our aim, through partnership with the Weston College. Homes Group College, is to create a centre and student experience where teaching and clinical “Such is GKN’s confidence in Weston College practice can be brought together for the that we are now working in partnership benefit of patients and staff, where our on several upcoming initiatives, one of partnership brings real and lasting benefits to which is preparing for the introduction of the communities of North Somerset through the Apprenticeship Levy, where GKN and improved health, regeneration, employment Weston College have both been invited by and economic growth. the SFA to take part in the pilot of the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS). James Rimmer Chief Executive, Weston Area Health Trust Paul Ashbee Technical Training Manager, GKN Aerospace Services Limited

34 35 Impact on students

I feel motivated and ambitious about Studying at Weston College has The lecturers are amazing and the Weston College understands that The teachers at the College have The course has completely changed my going to university and planning for my developed my skills and given me a clear opportunities I’ve had to perform are everyone learns in a different way. inspired and supported me, and I have life and helped me get back on my feet. future career. insight into my future career. incredible. learnt a lot about the industry. Kirsty Prayag Jack Robson Poppy Teaching Assistant Apprentice, Level 3 Mia Professional Cookery, Level 2 Physics, Art and Design, and Maths, A Level Carpentry, Diploma, Level 1 Music Performance, Extended Diploma, Beauty Therapy, VRQ Diploma, Level 3 Level 3

36 37 Impact on employers

Weston College works with employers “ Weston College understands that, From We clearly believe Weston College is Weston College has always delivered The support we have had from the I was really impressed with the facilities, across the South West and beyond to an employer’s perspective, their role is to a key strategic partner as we continue to a high level of education, communication, college has been brilliant; I have a great staff and students that I met. The drive deliver training solutions to address their prepare their students for employment. grow and develop our staff for the future. help and support. We always recommend relationship with our assessor, who is and enthusiasm of the staff are impressive, skills needs and provide them with high- them to others in our sector. very flexible and fully understands the and the goals of the College are certainly quality training including apprenticeships. Gordon Veale Katie Dominy challenges of a working kitchen. aligned with the needs of local industry Carbase Head of HR, Castelan Group Bernadette Rosewell – that is, to provide suitably qualified and We’ve been impressed by the way Area Manager, Honey Tree Day Nursery Gilly Chu motivated students ready to enter into the College ensures its students not only and Preschool Gilly’s Café employment or further education. succeed in their studies but are also ready and able to slot into the commercial world. Neil Douglas Viper Subsea Technology Ltd Martin Thatcher Managing Director, Thatchers Cider The College has a fundamental objective This is a relationship that has truly of meeting the demands of businesses and added value on both sides and is a unique matching this with the education and skills success to be proud of. We look forward to Working with Weston College has given We have a great relationship with needed. this continuing for many years to come. us a real opportunity to develop home- Weston College and BEC. They are happy grown talent in what is otherwise a very to support us with anything we need and Andrew Blunsdon Matt Tyler competitive marketplace for new people we find this an invaluable partnership. We have employed three apprentices Priddy Engineering Managing Director, Dribuild Group coming into law. through Weston College and have been The College continues to provide Sarah Hallaran extremely happy with both the support outstanding training which is relevant, Rebecca Kibby Beauty Oasis Day Spa from the recruitment team as well as the business-led and, most of all, effective. Foot Anstey quality of the individuals we’ve received. We would proudly recommend Weston Becca Thurston College apprentices to any other business. Wessex Water Laura McFetridge-Smith HR Director, Macrail Systems

38 39 The year in headlines

NSETC moves to the Weston College College launches Higher Level Civil Former student opens beauty salon Funding secured for West Of England UCW rated gold under Teaching College launches free courses for adults Academy building Engineering Apprenticeships Former beauty therapies student Jessica Works project Excellence Framework Weston College launched a series of free North Somerset Enterprise and Technology Weston College became one of the first Stagg fulfilled her ambition of opening Weston College secured European Social The gold rating places University Centre courses to engage the community and College moved to the £15 million Weston colleges in the region to deliver degree- a beauty salon in her home town of Fund and Big Lottery funding for the West Weston among the top 20% of higher reengage adults with education and skills College Academy in September 2016. level apprenticeships in civil engineering at Weston-super-Mare. Essential Beauty and of England Works programme, which aims education providers, alongside the development. its new Future Technology Centre. Aesthetics was inducted into the Good to help unemployed people in the West of prestigious Oxbridge universities. Salon Guide shortly after opening. England to find employment.

College holds first offender learning art Student reaches national photography College retains Investors in People College lecturers come joint second in Dr Paul Phillips awarded CBE Winter Gardens Pavilion named project of exhibition competition final statuses regional teaching awards Dr Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief the month Offender Learning Services Limited held its A Level Photography student Chloe Cox Weston College retained its Investors in Three Weston College lecturers came joint Executive of the Weston College Group The Winter Gardens Pavilion development first ever exhibition of prison artwork. The came third in the Association of Colleges People Gold and Champion statuses for the second in the Teacher of the Year category was awarded a CBE for his dedication to was named UK project of the month by exhibits were judged by Weston College Student Photographer of the Year Awards, third consecutive review over a nine-year at the 2016 Believe in Somerset Awards. education and the community. Under Dr a specialist international audio/visual staff, with the winning inmates receiving art supported by the Royal Photography period. The lecturers from the College’s Faculty of Phillips’ leadership Weston College has engineering magazine. supplies to practice their talents. Society. Technology, Engineering and Construction grown to become the ninth largest college were nominated for their outstanding and group in the country. inspirational work. 40 41 The year in numbers

Finance £62,665,000 UCW Progression Enrolments Total expenditure Income Number of enrolments Destination Faculty of construction, A Levels £52,682,000 £1,156,000 818 3.6% engineering and Funding body grants Surplus before G&L Full time Apprenticeship future technologies

£7,590,000 £156,000 49 19.6% Tuition fees and contracts Transfer of assets Part time Employment £1,515,000 £1,312,000 Students by gender 47% English Apprenticeships Other income TCI Further education 40.3% and maths Source: year-end management accounts. Male £58,000 All accounts unaudited and subject to 15.1% Investment income approval at time of going to print. University 59.7% Female £63,821,000 9.8% Total income Demographics Age Other Faculty of Expenditure Number of enrolments (excluding OLS) 44.1% 4.9% education, 500 Under 21 Unclassified health and £34,944,000 lifestyle Staffing costs Under 16 29.6% Faculty of business, 21 to 30 £25,165,000 12,629 enterprise and Other expenses 16 to 18 service industries 26.3% Over 30 £2,044,000 8,674 Creative arts Depreciation 19 and over and design

42 £512,000 21,803 43 Finance costs Total Coming in 2018/19 Corporation

The Weston College Group has allocated Governor Role Background £20 million for building developments commencing in the 2017/18 academic Mark Canniford Lead Governor for Safeguarding Commercial year. These developments will enable further expansion of the College Group’s Chris Carter Vice Chair of Corporation and Chair of Finance Committee Legal provision in key sectors in the South West, Tim Cowley Chair of FE Committee Industry and legal and respond to current labour market intelligence data. Gemma Day Governor Commercial and human resources

Health and Active Living Skills Centre Jude Ferguson Chair of the Corporation, Chair of Forward Futures and Education, careers and guidance Working closely with local and regional Offender Learning Services authorities, the NHS, and SMEs within the Andrew Leighton-Price Chair of Audit Committee Audit and finance health and active living sector, this flagship training facility has been made possible Mark Lewis Governor Commercial by investment from the Local Enterprise Higher education Partnership. The centre will blend skills for Jo Midgley Vice Chair of Corporation and Chair of HE Quality and health and social care with wider health Curriculum Committee prevention and condition management. John Penrose Corporation Associate MP for Weston-super-Mare Construction Skills Training Centre Ian Porter Lead Governor for Health and Safety Industry The Construction Skills Training Centre Governor Education expands on Weston College’s existing Sheila Smith successful general trades training. It will Donna Turner-Kot Governor Industry and education offer training and qualifications in areas such as infrastructure, civil engineering, Fiona Waters Non-academic Staff Governor Education scaffolding, plant operations and Maxine Park Academic Staff Governor Education maintenance skills, plus apprenticeships in formwork, steel fixing, access and rigging, Atheka Sultana FE Student Governor Student and groundworks and construction. Farhath Siddiqui HE Student Governor Student Dr Paul Phillips CBE Principal and Chief Executive Education, business and finance Christopher Ware Governor Industry

44 45 Knightstone Campus South West Skills Campus Winter Gardens Knightstone Road, Weston-super-Mare, Locking Road, Weston-super-Mare, South Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2AL BS22 8NL BS23 1AJ

Loxton Campus Weston College Academy Loxton Road, Weston-super-Mare, Beaufighter Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 4QU BS24 8EE

01934 411 411 www.weston.ac.uk [email protected]

Teaching Excellence Until 2019 Framewor k

Disclaimer: All details correct at the time of going to print. It is advised to check the website for the most up to date information. © 2017 Weston College Group This document is available in other formats. For more information call 01934 411 411. WC_MAC_216