For Parents
ADD Careers programme
At Ascent college the provider access policy endeavours to ensure that all students are aware of all routes to higher skills and are able to access information on technical options and apprenticeships
Links to PAL and policy
Understanding of the world of work
Employability (including work experience) provides students with an understanding of the world of work and to gain knowledge, skills and understanding to achieve, wherever possible, work-related post- Ascent destinations.
Ascent Specialist College complies with the Gatsby Benchmarks and provides a robust and high-quality framework for employability guidance.
We recognise that we have embarked on a journey to excellence in employability guidance.
Whilst all the Benchmarks are important we place particular value on gaining experiences in the workplace and employer encounters, which have historically presented additional barriers to students with autism.
We follow a graduated approach to work experience through skill building, internal experience, volunteering, work experience and supported internships.
For more information you can contact our Employer engagement officer tarathomas@ascent.college
Career guidance
The Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Lead is Steve Hogarth who works closely with the Ascent College staff and students.
Careers learning centres on working with our partners to enable our students to understand themselves, obtain information, explore opportunities and develop the skills they need to manage their own development and make life choices and decisions about their future. Student destinations range from supported living options, supported internships to full-time jobs or Higher Education. These life choices benefit their own mental health and wellbeing and contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Students complete a personal vocational profile as they focus more on action planning and breaking down the barriers to future positive outcomes that include employment. Students use vocational profiles, skills audits, advice and guidance (internal and external through Careers Connect), talking mats, communication aids, and PECS.
Regular student tutorials are timetabled and incorporate impartial advice from Career Connect Advisers.
Ascent College’s robust employability/careers programme (including work experience) provides our young adults with an understanding of the world of work and empowers them to gain the knowledge, skills, understanding and most importantly the resilience to achieve (wherever possible) work-related post-college destinations.
For more information contact the CEIAG lead stephenhogarth@ascent.college
Please see the links below that provide further information and support.
https://lcrbemore.co.uk/apprenticeship/
https://lcrbemore.co.uk/careers/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/regionallabourmarket/latest
Warrington
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/SEND
Employment and Training: https://www.mylifewarrington.co.uk/kb5/warrington/directory/localoffer.page?localofferchannel=4&localofferagebands=4
Halton
Post 16 provision
https://localoffer.haltonchildrenstrust.co.uk/preparing-for-adulthood-pfa-guide-and-vision/pfa-education-employment/post-16-options-education-and-training-for-young-people/
PfA
https://localoffer.haltonchildrenstrust.co.uk/preparing-for-adulthood-pfa-guide-and-vision/
St Helens
https://new.sthelens.gov.uk/SEND
Post 16
https://new.sthelens.gov.uk/send/16-25-years-preparation-for-adulthood/transition-to-further-learning/local-colleges/
Supported for Internships
https://new.sthelens.gov.uk/send/16-25-years-preparation-for-adulthood/transition-to-further-learning/supported-internship-programme/
Wigan:
Liverpool:
https://fsd.liverpool.gov.uk/kb5/liverpool/fsd/localoffer.page?localofferchannel=0
Lancashire:
General info links
Info about Levels and Qualifications:
https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
Student Life
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....