About Southwark College

Southwark College is a modern further education college in SE1 London, with a proud history of preparing students for a fulfilling career in their chosen sector through courses designed with this in mind. The College offers its diverse community of more than 2,000 learners the chance to learn from tutors with industry experience, benefit from visits and lectures from external businesses, and get hands-on experience by undertaking work placements. Its campus in the heart of London boasts state-of-the-art facilities and an employability hub in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Southwark College impact

80+

courses on offer

90+

languages spoken by its diverse community

4,000+

students choose Southwark College 

Partnerships with employers

Services for employers

As one of London’s top colleges, Southwark College works closely with businesses of all sizes to enable employers to recruit apprentices and support the training of their staff.

The College is always keen to draw on its partnerships with businesses to enrich the experience of its students through guest talks, visits to relevant organisations and workshops delivered by businesses. Many of these have been running successfully for a number of years and are a great way for businesses to engage with students, making a connection with their potential future workforce.

Supporting job seekers

Southwark College boasts an employability hub in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust and the Department for Work and Pensions. At the Hub, students can get expert advice on careers, and guidance on writing a great CV, job applications and interview techniques. A dedicated team also supports students to explore live job vacancies, including part-time job roles. The employer hub partnerships provide invaluable opportunities for staff to develop high quality projects and support students to gain work experience, access masterclasses, guest speaker sessions and industry visits.

Supporting safer communities

Southwark students complete StepWise programme

StreetDoctors and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust delivered a celebration ceremony for Health and Social Care students from Southwark College, following an eight-week education programme for young people to learn emergency lifesaving skills in an effort to support the safer communities initiative in Southwark.

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Streetwise Programme

News from Southwark College

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Southwark College Principalship Team

Jane Button

Jane Button

Principal, Southwark College

Jane joined Lewisham College in December 2020 with a commitment to inclusive education and supporting those with significant social barriers to learning. She has over 20 years of experience in curriculum and support services management and was recently appointed Principal of Southwark College.

Scott Peasey

Scott Peasey

Vice Principal, Southwark College

Scott joined Southwark College in March 2020. Scott has more than 25 years of experience working in the Further Education Sector and has held management roles at several FE colleges in London and the South-East. Originally a Geography Lecturer, Scott is passionate about developing an innovative curriculum so students have the skills they need to succeed at work or university.

Ria Willoughby

Ria Willoughby

Assistant Principal, 16-18 Students

Ria joined Southwark College in June 2022 as Head of Quality and was recently appointed Assistant Vice Principal for the 16-18 Curriculum. Ria has worked in teaching and management roles in the FE sector in London since she started her career as a Maths teacher in 2011. Ria has a passion for leadership and has completed a masters in educational leadership. Ria has worked for several college groups and is passionate about the wealth of experience and opportunities that college groups can provide to learners.

Claire Reed

Claire Reed

Assistant Principal, Skills and Adult Education

Claire has been a member of NCG for the past four years, currently serving as the Assistant Principal for Skills and Adult Education at Southwark College. With a robust background of 25 years in Adult Education and 15 years in management roles, she has successfully shaped adult education initiatives, including Apprenticeships, Sector-based Work Academy programmes, employability initiatives, and short programmes aimed at helping local residents secure sustainable jobs. In her role as Assistant Principal, Claire focuses on advancing the college's Skills agenda in alignment with the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the London Growth Plan, and Southwark Council's skills strategies. Partnering with local businesses to address skills gaps and deliver training that fosters growth is a key aspect of her work.

Molly Whiston

Molly Whiston

Assistant Principal, Student Experience

Molly joined Southwark College in May 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience in safeguarding and welfare roles within secondary schools and colleges across London. With a deep commitment to student success, she is passionate about creating an environment where every learner can flourish both academically and personally. Molly's mission is to enhance the student experience, ensuring that each individual feels valued, supported, and inspired throughout their college journey.