Governors and Trustees
As a non-maintained college we are required by the Department for Education to have a Governing Body.
The Governing Body of Ascent Specialist College works closely with the Trustees, Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Management Team to set the future direction for the college and decide how the budget should be spent.
Our governors make decisions, collectively, on matters such as performances targets, college policies and the college improvement plans.
Our Chair of Governors is Phil Round who can be contacted by post at the school address which is Wargrave House School & College, 449 Wargrave Road, Newton Le Willows, Merseyside, WA12 8RS.
Governors are committed volunteers who want to make a difference.
When do we meet?
The Governing Body meets once per term. Dates of the meetings for the current academic year are:
- Monday – 25/09/23 – 10am
- Monday – 13/11/23 – 10am
- Monday – 04/03/24 – 10am
- Monday – 24/06/24 – 10am
Our current governors are:
Phil Round - Community Governor/Chair
Liz Preston - Community Governor/Vice Chair
Denise Wright - Governor
Sharon Prendegast - Staff Governor
Tarran Faulkner - Student Governor
Will Elliot - Student Governor
Muir Miller - Trustee Governor
About us
Ascent College shortlisted for Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Award
Ascent Autism Specialist College, Newton-le-Willows, has been shortlisted for another award, this time at the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Culture and Creativity Awards. The LCR Culture and Creativity Awards recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution that...
Ascent College welcomes local community for Christmas extravaganza
On Friday, 13 December, Ascent Autism Specialist College, Newton-le-Willows, hosted its annual Christmas market event. The Ascent Christmas markets have become a highlight in the college’s calendar as they welcome family, friends, and community members. This year, the...
Specialist college earns prestigious recognition with six regional and national award nominations
Ascent Autism Specialist College, Newton-le-Willows, has been shortlisted for an impressive six awards, celebrating excellence at both a regional and national level. In September, it was announced that the college had been shortlisted for three Educate Awards: The...
Specialist college students invited to talk about college plans at Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club
Two students from Ascent Autism Specialist College were invited to Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club for an exclusive lunch where they discussed future plans for the college’s learning hub at Lyme and Wood. After a tasty lunch with Rotary club members, the two students...
Join Us for a Magical Christmas Market at Ascent Autism College!
Looking for festive fun and holiday cheer? Ascent Autism College is thrilled to invite you to our annual Christmas Market on 13th December! Step into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, seasonal food and drink, live music, and plenty of unique shopping...
Ascent College open morning Friday 22nd November at 10.00-11.30 am
Ascent College will be hosting an Open Morning for families who are looking for a post 16 or post 19 autism specialist educational provision for 2025. This will take place on Friday 22nd November at 10.00-11.30 am. If you are interested & would like to reserve a...
Join Our Next Ascent Autism Advice Forum – November 5th: Meet Our SENCo and Learn About the Annual Review Process
Following the success of our last Ascent Autism Advice Forum we are holding the next one on Tuesday 5th November, you can attend in person or remotely. The forum will give you the opportunity to meet our SENCo Andrea to find out more about her role and the annual...
Specialist College celebrates student achievements with awards evening extravaganza
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, recently held its annual Aspire Evening, bringing together students, staff, parents, and community partners to celebrate student achievements. The end-of-year celebration took place at the Mercure Hotel...
Specialist college launch community autism advice forums to help families
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, has announced a new initiative to support parents and carers as their child progresses into adulthood. The Ascent Autism Advice Forums, developed in-house by head of adult services Julliet Doherty, employer...
Specialist college named finalists in the Northern Cultural Education Awards
Ascent Autism Specialist College, Newton-le-Willows, has been shortlisted for a Northern Cultural Education Award. The awards aim to shine a light on best practice, innovation and activism in the field of creative and cultural education across the North of England....