Kam winner of AoC's student of the year

Kamali – a Student’s Amazing Transformation

University Centre Weston student Kamali Stevens jumped up and punched the air in delight when he was announced as the winner of the Higher Education Student of the Year Award at this year’s Association of Colleges (AoC) annual conference. The 41-year-old’s elation at that moment was understandable. He had undergone an incredible journey from prisoner to prison reformer, after being …

HMP the verne

HMP The Verne Host Festive Open Mic

Finishing the year on a high, learners from HMP The Verne starred in a fantastic “Festive Open Mic” event organised by Weston College Prison Education. The superb acts included poetry reading, original acoustic songs, cover bands, and a full choir. Members of the education team were appointed as impartial judges and were asked to pick their top 3 acts. Prizes …

open door project logo with roller paint

Open Door Project at HMP Channings Wood

Weston College is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant of £29,995 by Arts Council England to deliver ‘The Open Door Project’ at HMP Channings Wood – a Category C men’s prison located near Newton Abbot, Devon, where the College is the Prison Education provider. This transformative project is set to run throughout 2024, with the aim of providing …

Portland Poetry Slam Success

The SLAM Poetry night at HMP Portland was held after a day of immersive and informative events centred around the celebration of Black History Month. Learners from across the prison were invited to perform poetry, spoken word, rap, lyrics or songs that they had created during their time at Portland. Our cookery class mentors made an amazing Afro-Caribbean themed meal …

Western Counties Roofing Taster at HMP Channings Wood Leads to Potential Employment

What an Amazing day at HMP Channings Wood. A taster day delivered by the team from Western Counties Roofing Ltd spanning two roofing workshops. Twenty Learners attended , lots of engagement and 5 learners now have interviews lined up for potential jobs with Western Counties  upon release. Also supported today by Tatiana Fernandez of Countryside Partnerships. We are looking forward …

HMP Leyhill Recognise The Dedication of Weston College Staff Member

This week Hayley Robinson, our Assistant Curriculum Coordinator, at HMP Leyhill has been recognised by the prison for her hard work and dedication. Hayley’s achievement, entitled the ‘Changing Lives Award’ is awarded annually to a member of staff from across the prison who has gone above and beyond to support the learners at HMP Leyhill. What makes the award even …

Weston College Adopts the Halo Code!

Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened …

Learner of the Month Award at HMP Exeter – Driving Learner Success

Today Mr M was awarded the ‘Learner of the Month’ award here at HMP Exeter, here is a photo of Mr M receiving his certificate and goody bag from Mark Stoyle Curriculum Manager at HMP Exeter and Mr Andy Tanner Deputy Governor. “Mr M demonstrated a mature and disciplined approach to his learning and has been a great role model …