Our Sites
Ascent Autism Specialist College operates out of the North West of England over two sites
Ascent Autism Specialist College
Our main campus opened in 2012, known previously as LEAP Specialist College and is located on Wargrave Road, Newton-le-Willows in the grounds of Wargrave House School. This campus is designed to meet the diverse needs of autistic adults offering bespoke facilities and specialist teaching and learning experiential to support our young people with learning and development.
Ascent has developed from the original LEAP college and offers specialist teaching rooms over two floors and adult gym equipment outside. On site there is the Cosy Corner Café run by our students open every Friday and on special occasions when we welcome in our community, families, and friends, Trustees, Governors and Local Authorities.
Our vocational learning hub on Vista Road gives students the opportunity to develop skills first hand by taking part in work experience opportunities in three vocational learning areas;
- Animal Care Centre
- Print Shop
- Market Gardening
Parents and Professionals
Ascent College staff and students move into their new home
Last week, staff and students at Ascent Autism Specialist College moved into their new home on the multi-use business park, The Parks in Newton-le-Willows. Staff and students walked through the college’s doors in awe as they started the 2025/26 academic year by...
Autism Advice Forum – October Session
Ascent Autism Advice Forum – October Session Date: Thursday 2nd October 2025 Location: Online via Microsoft Teams Register your interest: gemmasutton@ascent.college We’re pleased to invite you to the next session of the Ascent Autism Advice Forum – an open and...
Specialist college receives £20k boost to develop digital futures for neurodiverse students
(From left to right: CEO of Remarkable, Robin Bush; head of adult services at Ascent College, Julliet Doherty; Ascent College student, Will; director / founder of DAB, Anne-Marie Atherton; employment engagement officer at Ascent College, Tara Thomas; bid writer and...
Local specialist college hosts event for new neighbours
Ascent Autism Specialist College in Newton-Le-Willows welcomed a range of local businesses to its ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event ahead of its new site opening on The Parks in September. Part of the Remarkable Autism Charity group, Ascent College is moving to its new home...
Autism Advice Forum – Safeguarding Hate Crime
Wednesday 2nd July on teams 10 am - 11.30 am Micheal Belcher from Merseyside police will talk to parents and careers about "Safeguarding Hate Crime". The forum is aimed to support parents and carer with sole purpose to enlighten and offer the tools and knowledge to...
Ascent College Earns National Careers Education Accreditation
Ascent Autism Specialist College is celebrating a major milestone after being officially accredited with the Quality in Careers Standard - the UK’s only national award recognising excellence in careers education, information, advice, and guidance. This prestigious...
Inspirational Ascent Autism Specialist College students attend Buckingham Palace
Two students from Ascent Autism Specialist College in Newton-le-Willows attended Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, making them the first students in the college’s history to achieve the prestigious accolades. Earlier this month, Ben...
Ascent Autism Advice Forum – EHCPs, annual reviews, phase transfer, Tribunals and appeals
Our next Ascent Autism Advice forum is taking place on Wednesday 5th June at 10.30am. The topic of our first session will cover EHCPs, annual reviews, phase transfer, Tribunals and appeals and will be delivered by Samantha Williams, Solicitor in the Education...
Work begins on local specialist college’s new 10,000 square foot site
Ascent Autism Specialist College has begun the transformation of its recently purchased site on a St Helens multi-use business park into a bespoke facility designed to offer personalised pathways to independence and employment for its cohort of students. The...
Ascent Autism Advice Forum – May Session
Our next Ascent Autism Advice forum is taking place on Wednesday 7th May at 10am. Michelle Seddon from 'Enable Law' will be supporting to discuss 'Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts and Estate Administration'. Website: Specialist Personal Injury & Medical...