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 24 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 fourth decade, 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 delighted to welcome the Mayor of Guildford, Howard Smith, who came to see (and take part in) all the fun in action – with activities such as salsa dancing, jewellery making, art classes and drama workshops featuring in the days events.
Mayor Howard Smith said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit Guildford College for ‘Choices and Decisions Day’ and to see first-hand the enthusiasm and creativity of the young people taking part.
“It’s inspiring to see the wide range of activities on offer and the many opportunities available to support students in developing their confidence and skills.
“What Activate Learning are doing to create such an inclusive and engaging event is fantastic to see. Special recognition must also go to Ginny Willis, whose continued dedication ensures the day remains such a success year after year. I was delighted to be invited and to be part of such a positive and uplifting occasion.”
The event was organised by Ginny Willis, Transition Consultant for Activate Learning, who has been leading the planning of this day for over 30 years. Ginny works closely with students who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), supporting them as they transition into further education.
She said: “A large event like this involves a great deal of effort, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see how engaged and enthusiastic everyone is in each activity.
‘Choices and Decisions Day’ is all about exploring new experiences and celebrating new achievements – there’s truly nothing else like it.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to my Special Educational Needs colleagues at Guildford College. Merrist Wood Sport and Animal Departments as well as The Woodlands Centre for their support in making Choices and Decisions Day 2026 possible.
“I’ve been running this popular annual event for over 30 years, and I can honestly say that every year has been an absolute pleasure.”
Special thanks goes to Guildford Spectrum for generously providing bowling and boccia 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