Admissions
Ascent College admits young people with a diagnosis of Autism or social communication needs on an initial assessment period, and to secure a place, completion of a High Needs Funding application is required, which, if agreed upon by the Local Authority, will initiate the transition and admission process.
Criteria
Each young person is required to have a diagnosis of Autism or social communication needs.
Each young person is admitted on an initial assessment period of one term when a decision will be made on his/her suitability to continue at the college.
Admissions process for Ascent College
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.
High Needs Funding
The definition from the government website is:
“High needs funding supports provision for pupils and students with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) who require additional resources to participate in education and learning, from their early years to age 25 in schools and colleges (excluding students aged 19 to 25 who do not have an EHC plan or students who are over the age of 25) and pre-16 pupils in AP who, because of exclusion, illness, or other reasons, cannot receive their education in mainstream schools.”
Next steps
Following submission of the HNF application to the local authority, the LA will make the ultimate decision as to whether they agree a place in Ascent for your son/daughter of which they will contact you with the outcome.
If a place is agreed, then we will make contact with yourselves and begin the transition and admission to college.
Who to contact
If you are interested in a visit to our college, please contact Natalie Molyneux, Student Admissions Officer – nataliemolyneux@wargravehouse.com
Admissions
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....