Parent Carer Handbook
We understand that sending your child to college can be a daunting experience, so we have provided you with all the information you need to support your child throughout their time at Ascent.
Ascent Autism Specialist College Handbook
That’s why we have created this handbook to provide you with all the information you need to support your child throughout their time at Ascent.
Where we are
Ascent Autism Specialist College operates out of the North West of England over two sites
Our main campus in Newton-le-Willows 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.
Our secondary site is also located in Newton-le-Willows, The Preloved Project at Lyme & Wood Hub is a sustainability centre offering a community shop and café. This site offers our students a bespoke vocational curriculum, enabling them to gain practical skills and experience in areas such as catering, hospitality, and retail.
Specialist Staff
Our specialist staff work closely with each student to understand their unique needs and create a bespoke package of support to engage with their learning on multiple levels. Our offer of a Blended Learning curriculum ensures we engage and enable students by identifying what motivates them, what they’re interested in, their strengths, and aspirations and then applying this to determine bespoke educational pathways. Our students have high levels of individual support, meaning that learning opportunities are experiential, purposeful, and specific.
What is in the handbook
In this handbook, you’ll find information on our curriculum, campuses, and facilities, as well as details on how we work with parents and carers to provide the best possible support for our students. We also provide advice on how you can support your child’s learning at home and how to stay in touch with the college.
Working in Partnership
We are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to ensure the best outcomes for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you to support your child’s learning and development at Ascent Autism Specialist College.
Parents and Professionals
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....
Specialist college launch ‘Hubway’ project
Ascent Autism Specialist College, Newton-le-Willows, has launched the ‘Hubway’ project, an initiative run by two students, Will and Tarran, to help them develop entrepreneurial skills and support them to integrate socially with their peers from the college’s main...
Ascent College leader shortlisted for prestigious TES Schools Awards
Julliet Doherty, head of adult services at Ascent Autism Specialist College in Newton-le-Willows, has been named as one of only four finalists in the Specialist Provision School Leader of the Year Award at the TES Schools Awards. The national awards celebrate and...