Life Skills with Us
Building Independence at Ascent College – Preparation for Adulthood
These are the skills and knowledge areas that Ascent College focuses on to support their students in developing independence, resilience, and self-awareness. From personal safety to employability skills, students learn to navigate and manage different aspects of life as they move towards greater independence.

Ryan preparing for Independent living
Independent Living
Preparing for independent life as an adult

Students recognise risk during Personal Safety
Personal Safety
Recognising risks and identifying how to manage them safely and how to get help

Students from Ascent practicing Road safety & Travel
Road Safety & Travel
Demonstrating how to be safe in the community when travelling and getting ready for independent travel

Khovan preparing lunch Keeping Healthy
Keeping Healthy
Learning how to remain healthy through exercise, diet and well-being

Owen and Chris recognising that it’s good to take time out to do something you enjoy for Personal Care
Personal Care
Building independent functional skills to support independence and self regulation

Ascent 4 work on Health & Fitness
Health and Fitness
Recognising different aspects of leisure and identifying ways and means to navigate and enjoy leisure activities

Courtney showing she can achieve her goals learning in a way that is suitable for her. Organisation and Learning skills
Organisation and learning skills
Becoming an independent young adult engaging in learning independently in whatever method is appropriate to the individual.

Ruby employing Motivation and engagement
Motivation and engagement
Gaining attention skills and engagement skills to support resilience

Ascent 4 Expectations
Expectations
Recognising and understanding there are different expectations across different settings.

Ben building self-esteem and self-awareness Evaluating own learning
Evaluating own learning
Building self esteem and self awareness

Joseph developing resilience and reducing vulnerability while Managing Change
Managing Change
Developing resilience to manage change whilst reducing vulnerability

Leon managing Transitions
Transitions
Through experiential opportunities develop resilience to manage transitions

Chris is showing us how he feels about his Special Interests
Special interests
Understanding own special interests and their significance on mental health and well-being

Student showing their Thinking and problem solving
Thinking & problem solving
Develop the ability to use knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve problems, be confident in a range of settings

Owen working on skills for Employability
Employability
Building the essential skills, personal qualities and values that enable young adults to thrive in any workplace. Through a range of experiential work experience opportunities students adapt their ‘enterprise skills’, ‘communication skills’ and ‘workplace skills’.
Parents and Professionals
Ascent Autism Advice Forum – April Session
Date: Thursday 3rd April 2025Location: Online via Microsoft Teams Join us for the next session of the Ascent Autism Advice Forum, where we bring together parents, carers, professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about autism and best practices in support...
Join us at the Ascent Autism Specialist College Spring Fayre!
We're delighted to invite families, friends, and supporters to our annual Spring Fayre taking place on Friday, 28th March 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. It's set to be a wonderful morning filled with community spirit, colourful activities, and joyful moments welcoming...
Specialist college students host business breakfast for employers
Students from Ascent Autism Specialist College in Newton-le-Willows recently hosted a business breakfast, bringing together students and employers for a valuable networking opportunity. Held at the college’s Cosy Corner Café, the event welcomed current work experience...
An Individual Approach for Alicia
Curriculum Pathway: Vocational Training and Independent Living Skills Entry Date: 2021 Background: Alicia joined Ascent Autism Specialist College in September 2021 with an EHCP, autism and ADHD diagnosis. Prior to joining Ascent College, Alicia was in a mainstream...
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...