Weston College receives the Gateway Qualifications Award for Widening Participation at the recent Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards, for their Creating Brighter Futures initiative.

The College has been praised for initiatives and improvements to functional, vocational and transferable skills that help the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised learners, as well as the ones with learning difficulties.

The Creating Brighter futures approach reflects the best in adult further education, and inspired the most educationally disadvantaged to engage, improve their skills, discover and fulfil their potential and increase their life and work opportunities on release or repatriation.

“It feels fantastic to have won! Out highly skills and trained staff provided powerful and meaningful programmes that allowed students to reach their potential.” – Sam Mayhew, Head of Faculty, Weston College

The judges were impressed by Weston College’s commitment to provide a safe learning environment where all learners are valued and thrive regardless of background and level. The benefits extend beyond individuals and families to the wider community, providing the aspiration and ability to seek and gain employment.

As proud sponsors, Gateway Qualifications was honoured to attend the event and present Weston College with their award.

“As an organisation with a long-standing commitment to supporting adult learning; those with learning difficulties, disabilities and offender learning, we are delighted to see the sector-leading work that Weston College is doing in these areas. Staff and students should be rightfully proud of what they have achieved.” – Carol Snape, CEO, Gateway Qualifications.