Admissions

Criteria

• Each young person is required to have a diagnosis of Autism or social communication needs
• Attainment requirements – The young person should have achieved or be working towards Entry Level 1
• Each young person is admitted on an initial assessment period of one term when a decision will be made on his/her/ their 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 ‘Student/ Parent/ Carer 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@ascent.college and admissions@ascent.college

Testimonials

Susan (AR parent) Annual review 2023

Alicia is progressing so well in Ascent; she continues to learn and improve.  She still has learning and support that is needed from this amazing establishment.  The teachers understand Alicia so well and know how to support her and where they can push her.  Her teachers are aware of her ‘tells’ so know how to approach her. 

Sue (KC parent) Annual review 2023

All the staff within the college have an excellent relationship with the students and clearly go above and beyond to ensure that students gain the best from the college at all times.  Kieran has responded really well to the college environment and the help and support from staff.  He enjoys interactions with the younger students, and we are more than happy with the help and support.

Deborah (LP parent) 2024 Aspire Evening

Just wanted to thank you and all at Ascent for inviting us to the awards evening – it was a pleasure to have been asked to attend. Such a wonderful celebration for your students and their families.

We feel very lucky that our daughter has gained a place at Ascent – knowing it will be the best possible educational establishment for her – and without question, the one she desperately needs.