NHS England Choices College
NHS England Choices College is a national specialist provider offering tailored educational support and supported internships for 16‑ to 24‑year‑olds with learning difficulties, disabilities or Autism.
Overview
Gender
Mixed
Type of provider
National Specialist College
Places offered
12-20 interns
Listen to an overview
Interns spend a year focused on functional maths, English and employability skills, alongside up to three work placements within NHS and private organisations. The person‑centred, outcome‑focused provision empowers learners to build confidence and pursue meaningful employment or further study.
Name of Principal
Clare Learwood
Name of National Lead
Linda Selby
Type of provider
National Specialist College
Religious character
None
Number of places
12-20 interns
Uniform
No
Functional Skills – Maths and English
Northern Council for Further Education Employability Qualification
GCSE Maths and English
What is life like at NHS England Choices College?
Life at NHS England Choices College strikes a meaningful balance between practical work placement and tailored education, designed entirely around the success of each young person. Interns spend one academic year dedicated to building essential workplace and academic skills, notably functional maths, English and employability lessons, while engaging in up to three 12 week placements with NHS or private sector partners.
It is firmly person centred. Each placement is chosen to match the intern’s actual interests and abilities, with a two week induction preparing them for professional expectations covering inclusion, confidentiality and diversity. Staff, including workplace mentors and local coordinators, provide consistent support, conducting regular reviews and adapting the experience to ensure interns feel safe and capable.
The aim is not just education but transformation. Interns gain confidence through real world roles, often in NHS settings, fostering practical independence and a clearer pathway towards employment, apprenticeships or further study. The ethos is unwavering: every learner matters, every outcome counts. The staff’s dedication shines through in the nurturing environment they create, one that empowers learners rather than patronises them. This is about preparing young people for real life, not just dressing it up.
Special features of NHS England Choices College
- Structured careers programme linked to employability
- Curriculum developed with managers and employers
- NCFE qualification in employability
- Internship review meetings discussing transition, employment, and study options
- Person-centred career development and placements linked to skills and interests
- Employability, English and maths lessons
- Enrichment visits to local employers
- At least 2-3 intensive placements per year
- Employers engaged with the programme
- Consistent supported internships providing work placements
- Learners experience real workplaces
- Opportunities for further education progression
- Successful transition into Higher Education where appropriate
- Bespoke individual learning plans
- Regular reviews and support for transition out of the course
- Mentor and placement reviews
- Active progression and action plans
What facilities do we offer?
- Workplace-based training in NHS, local organisations, private businesses
- Weekly classroom sessions: Maths, English, employability, independent living
- Two-week induction on inclusion, diversity, confidentiality, workplace skills
- Counselling and pastoral support
- Virtual learning platform for remote study
How are students supported and included?
NHS England Choices College is designed for young adults aged 16–24 with learning difficulties, disabilities, or Autism. The college provides tailored educational support, employability training, and meaningful work experience through a person-centred approach. This means support is adapted to each learner’s individual needs, skills, and interests.
To promote inclusion, Choices College partners with the NHS, local organisations, and private businesses to create appropriate placements. Learners also take part in induction training covering confidentiality, inclusion, diversity, and professional expectations.
Weekly coordinator visits and personalised support plans ensure each pupil is fully included, with positive outcomes and pathways into apprenticeships, further education, or employment.
What are the entry requirements?
To join Choices College you must meet each of the following eligibility criteria.
– Live within one of our current Local Authority Partnership areas (see our locations)
– Be aged 16 – 24 years
– Have an approved and active Education, Health and Care Plan
What do leavers say about NHS England Choices College?
“I graduated from Choices College in 2018 and started an apprenticeship at an NHS Trust. I completed my apprenticeship with distinction and am currently working towards my Level 3 in Business Administration.”
“I’m so proud of myself and I owe everything to Choices College. It transformed my life for the better, the team helped me, encouraged me and gave me a chance to try new things. They believed in me even when I didn’t.”
“I am beyond happy and grateful to work with and around some of the kindest, most understanding, patient, and lovely people I’ve ever met.”
“Choices College really exercise their core value of making a difference. How do I know this? …. they’ve made one hell of a difference to my life.”
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