Guildford College and The Woodlands Centre at Merrist Wood College were delighted to play host to over 100 young people and their support staff from schools across the region for students with complex needs and autism.
The event, which took place on Friday 25 April, is a flagship annual initiative run across both sites. The Woodlands Centre at Merrist Wood College is the college group’s specialist on-campus provision for learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
Now in its 30th year, this much-loved annual event offers students with special educational needs the chance to enjoy a variety of fun, hands-on activities while getting a real taste of life at Guildford College and The Woodlands Centre at Merrist Wood College.
The college was once again delighted to welcome the Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker, who came for the second year to see (and take part in) all the fun in action – with the singing workshop being a particular highlight. Everyone enjoyed a rousing singalong to Mama Mia with the Mayor!
Mayor Barker shared:
“I thought this was a fantastic event and I enjoyed seeing what all the young people can achieve and the choices that are open to them as well as the fun they had while taking part in all the activities. What Guildford College is doing is commendable, and recognition must go to Ginny Willis who continues to work tirelessly every year to ensure this event is such a success. I was delighted to be invited back to this joyful event for a second time.”
The event was coordinated by Ginny Willis, Transition Consultant for Activate Learning, who has led the planning of this day for three decades. Ginny supports students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as they move into further education.
She said:
“A big event like this takes a lot of hard work, but it’s so worth it to see how excited and immersed our guests get in every activity. ‘Choices and Decisions Day’ is all about trying new things and celebrating new skills—there’s really nothing else quite like it.
“I would like to thank my Special Educational Needs colleagues at Guildford College and The Woodlands Centre and Merrist Wood Sports and Animal Management for all their support for Choices and Decisions Day 2025.
“It’s been a total joy to run this event for 30 years.”
Special thanks goes to Guildford Spectrum for generously providing bowling as part of the day’s experiences.
To learn more about Activate Learning’s special educational needs provision in Guildford, visit: https://bit.ly/3Ui4OSr