From a newly established university centre to a TEF Gold-rated higher education provider, UCW has come a long way since 2016. As we celebrate 10 years, we’re looking back at 10 of the moments that have helped shape our story!
University Centre Weston Starts
It all started in 2016, when Weston College was awarded University Centre status and its longstanding higher education provision was rebranded as University Centre Weston (UCW).
A new name, a new identity and a new chapter – but with the same ambition to provide outstanding higher education opportunities for students in Weston.
Opening the Winter Gardens
The Winter Gardens becomes a home for higher education in Weston! One of the biggest transformations in UCW’s history came with the redevelopment of the town’s iconic Winter Gardens.
Following a major £15 million redevelopment, the building reopened with a dedicated educational centre for higher education alongside historic public spaces.
UCW achieves TEF Gold
UCW’s commitment to outstanding teaching was recognised when it achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
The achievement placed UCW among the top-performing university and college higher education providers in the country and was an early indication of just how far we could go!
The Health and Active Living Skills Centre Opens
UCW’s healthcare provision received a major boost with the opening of the Health and Active Living Skills Centre in 2019.
This state-of-the-art facility is designed to give students access to realistic, industry-standard environments where they could develop the practical skills needed for careers in Healthcare.
Today, the centre is an important part of the UCW experience, supporting students across a range of healthcare courses including Nursing, Assistant Practitioner and our new Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship.
These courses use the facility to develop practical skills and practice in immersive real-world scenarios which they can transfer to their careers in the industry.
UCW Expands its Degree Apprenticeship Offer
UCW has continued to develop a career-focused approach to higher education, degree apprenticeships became an increasingly important part of our offer.
Students can gain a university-level qualification while working with an employer, combining academic study with real-world experience.
We’ve got partnerships including major employers such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus and MBDA, UCW has built strong links between higher education and industry – giving students the opportunity to earn, learn and develop the skills employers need.
A Royal Opening
In October 2021, The Princess Royal visited us to formally open the newly refurbished Winter Gardens and UCW’s brand-new facilities.
Her Royal Highness took a tour of the UCW facilities, and met students and staff working with VR technology and Hi-fidelity interactive manikins for health and social care, climate monitoring and Smart Home connectivity solutions for the digital sector, and then in the Winter Garden’s iconic ballroom The Princess Royal watched Musical Theatre students rehearsing.
UCW Goes Gold Again
In 2023, UCW once again achieved TEF Gold!
The result placed UCW among the top 20% of university and college higher education providers in the UK, while UCW was also one of just six colleges nationally to achieve the Gold rating.
Ten years on from the foundations of UCW’s higher education journey, it remains one of the clearest demonstrations of the quality of education our students receive.
A New University Partnership Opens Even More Opportunities
UCW’s story has continued to grow, with the University of Worcester joining its university partnerships in 2025.
The partnership demonstrates our continued ambition to develop new opportunities that meet the needs of students, employers and the region. Find out more about our Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship by clicking here!
Ten years of UCW
2026 marks 10 years of UCW! Over the past decade, thousands of students have passed through UCW, building their knowledge, developing their confidence and going on to exciting careers across a huge range of industries.
UCW has grown into a vibrant university community and this year, we’re celebrating the people who have made that journey possible: our students, graduates, staff, university partners, employers and wider UCW community.
The 2026 UCW Awards provided a particularly special opportunity to bring alumni, students and staff together to celebrate a decade of achievement – with former students returning to celebrate the university centre they helped shape.
Want to get involved in the next ten years of UCW? You can apply now! Find all of our courses by clicking here!
