Parents & Professionals
The college provides education for young people with autistic spectrum disorder and is approved by the Department for Education.
Criteria
At Ascent Specialist College during the first term of admission each learner’s progress is evaluated as part of a baseline assessment and then again at the annual review in the spring term and annually thereon. Learners usually follow a three year programme. A minimum Entry level requirement of E1 qualification and a primary diagnosis of autism are essential admission criteria.
Diagnosis
The primary requirement for admission must be a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder together with associated severe to moderate learning difficulties. The various advices to the Statement of Special Educational Need should provide this information. The primary requirement for admission must be a diagnosis of autistic spectrum. The various advices to the Education, Health & Care Plan should provide this information.
Compatible Grouping
Consideration will be given to the best interests of learners already in college when applicants are being considered for admission.
Consideration will be given to the level of ability and the pervasiveness of autism in an attempt to achieve a manageable balance.
Our Admissions policy is currently being updated, once completed it can be viewed by clicking here.or by visiting the website’s policy section.
How to Apply
Parents and young people are encouraged to visit our college for a tour of our facilities which will in turn introduce them to our educational offer. If you are interested in our college, we would ask you to complete our ‘Parental Expression of Interest’ application – this will be provided to you following your visit.
We would then advise that you contact your Local Authority to express your preference. In doing so, this will prompt the authority to share the EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) and allow us to complete a HNF (High Needs Funding) application.
Funding
For further information please speak to Natalie Molyneux, Student Admissions & Safeguarding Officer.
Parents and Professionals
Specialist college welcomes the local community for spring fayre extravaganza
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, recently celebrated the beginning of a new season with its annual spring fayre. The spring fayre, which took place on the college grounds, welcomed students, staff, parents/carers and the local community to...
Ascent Autism Specialist College celebrate Neurodiversity Week with a jam-packed schedule of activities
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, recently participated in Neurodiversity Celebration Week from Monday, 18 March to Friday, 22 March. The college, which provides specialist education to autistic individuals aged 16 to 25, is committed to...
Finalists in the Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Culture & Creativity Awards 2024. The shortlist, which was announced earlier today, revealed that the college had been...
Breaking down barriers with employer-focused autism awareness training
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, is helping employers break down barriers to work for autistic individuals with employer-focused autism awareness training. On Thursday, 9 November, Ascent College staff and student, Alicia, visited a...
Ascent Autism Specialist College teaching assistant receives national award
Sam Lowe, a teaching assistant at Ascent Autism Specialist College, has received a national award from Teaching Personnel. The SEN Teaching Assistant of the Year Award recognises and celebrates the hard work and dedication of teaching assistants in Special Educational...
Ascent Autism Specialist College shortlisted for three prestigious Educate Awards
Ascent Autism Specialist College, part of the Remarkable Autism Charity, has been shortlisted for three awards in the highly anticipated Educate Awards 2023 shortlist. . The Educate Awards is the largest education awards in the North West and celebrates the...
Community enterprise project awarded community funding from MRWA for the second year
The Pre-Loved Project, part of Ascent Autism Specialist College, has been awarded community funding for the second year running. The MRWA (Merseyside Waste and Recycling Authority) Community Fund aims to support eco-friendly and sustainable projects. For 2022/23 the...
Student named DoE ‘Voice of Neurodiversity’ Youth Ambassador
Student named Duke of Edinburgh’s Youth Ambassador Ascent Autism Specialist College student, Courtney, has been chosen as the voice of neurodiversity for the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Youth Ambassador programme. The DofE UK Youth Ambassador programme involves a...
Remarkable Autism awarded the National Autistic Society’s Beacon Status
Wargrave House School and Ascent Autism Specialist College, part of the Remarkable Autism Charity, have been awarded the National Autistic Society’s highest award accreditation, Beacon Status. The award, given to provisions that have already achieved an advanced award...
Ascent Autism Specialist College student gets a visit from a celebrated author
Fantasy author Wes. M Henshaw recently visited the Preloved Project in Newton-le-Willows to discuss his new book with students from Ascent Autism Specialist College. The distinguished author met with Ascent Autism Specialist College student; Courtney, a...