South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to become new host for Choices College
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) has announced it will become the new host for Choices College from 1 August 2026, supporting the continued development of the national specialist college.
Choices College provides personalised education and supported internships for young people aged 16 – 24 with special educational needs and disabilities. Through a combination of real-world placements, and qualifications in maths, English and employability skills, the college helps learners build confidence, independence, and routes into employment. Each year the college supports 200 learners by working closely with NHS services and local authorities, and partnering with more than 120 organisations to provide work experience opportunities.
The appointment of SWLSTG follows a strategic review that identified the importance of hosting the college within an organisation able to support its long-term development and sustainability. The Trust was selected due to its strong alignment with the college’s ethos to widen access to education and employment for disabled and autistic young people, as well as its innovative and partnership-based approach to improving care and outcomes for people with mental health conditions.
The Trust is already home to several programmes that align closely with the college. These include the Recovery College, which offers education-based mental health support, a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for deaf young people, and programmes supporting placements and transitions into employment for mental health patients.
In addition, SWLSTG is investing in the future by developing a new mental health care facility alongside a Social and Emotional Mental Health School in Richmond, in partnership with the Department of Education. The Trust also has a strong focus on training, apprenticeships and lifelong learning for both staff, patients, carers and the wider community.
Ian Garlington, Better Communities Programme Director for South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Choices College to our Trust. Supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities into meaningful education and employment strongly reflects our values and commitment to inclusivity, reducing stigma, and creating healthier and happier communities.
“Through this partnership we will support the next stage of the college’s journey, so it can continue to provide high-quality education and specialised internships, while exploring how we can build on its success for future learners. This will include working together to enhance our joint offer to both Trust patients and students at Choices College, to further the impact of both organisations.”
Craig de Sousa, Principal of Choices College and Director of Workforce Supply at NHS England, said: “Choices College plays a valuable role in helping to support young people with learning disabilities and autism to gain qualifications, skills and work placements that would otherwise be more difficult from them to attain. The NHS is proud to support these opportunities for them.
“This is a prime example of how NHS England is working with other partners across the NHS to continue to provide education, training and access to employment. We are pleased Choices College will be able to continue its important work.”
Choices College is currently hosted by NHS England. The transition to the Trust will take place during 2026, with learners and staff continuing their work as planned throughout the change.
