Specialist college earns prestigious recognition with six regional and national award nominations

Ascent Autism Specialist College in 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 Communication Award, Most Inspirational Sixth Form & College, and School Support Star of the Year, for which Louise Yates, a teaching assistant at the college, was shortlisted.

The Educate Awards are the largest education awards in the North West and are now in their thirteenth year.

For The Communication Award, the college was praised for establishing a new initiative, Ascent Autism Advice Forums, which judges noted is at the ‘heart of a communications strategy that has played a significant role in increasing understanding of autism and the support available’. 

The college was shortlisted for the prestigious Most Inspirational Sixth Form & College award, an accolade it has previously won.

Louise Yates was shortlisted for School Support Star of the Year. The Educate Awards judges commented on how Louise embodies the core values of Ascent College: resilience, respect, creativity, and aspiration. 

Senior college leaders and staff will head to Liverpool Cathedral on Friday, 15 November, where they will discover if they have won at the prestigious awards ceremony. 

Most recently, the college received the fantastic news that it had been shortlisted for another three awards, this time at the Education Today School and Supplier Awards. The national awards celebrate schools and school suppliers of all shapes and sizes who go above and beyond. 

Ascent College was shortlisted for the Overall School of the Year Award, and the head of adult services at the college, Julliet Doherty, was shortlisted for Community Champion, and Andrea Smethurst was shortlisted for SENCO of the Year. 

As head of the college, Julliet has fostered meaningful and impactful community partnerships with employers, businesses and individuals that have a direct impact on the quality of education for students. 

The college believes community engagement is a cornerstone of holistic education. Partnerships are meticulously designed to provide a balanced approach to practical skills and social-emotional development, ensuring students are well-equipped for future endeavours. 

Andrea Smethurst was shortlisted as SENCO of the Year. In her role at the college, Andrea has developed and implemented inclusive educational strategies that have been transformative. 

For Overall School of the Year, the college highlighted its extensive curriculum, which caters to all students and fosters high ambitions. Ascent College went on to showcase its dedication to excellence in education that transcends traditional boundaries, providing transformative learning experiences, tailored to the individual strengths and aspirations of each student. 

The Education Today School and Supplier Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 6 December, at The Grand Hall in The Grand Connaught Rooms, London. 

Speaking about the six award nominations, head of adult services at Ascent College, Julliet Doherty, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for six incredible awards both regionally and nationally. 

“At the heart of our college is our continued commitment to supporting our students in having high aspirations and the skills, tools, and knowledge to live happy and fulfilled lives. It has been an amazing year at Ascent College, with building work on our brand-new college location well underway.”

Julliet added: “I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our staff and students. These nominations belong to all of us.”

The college recently secured planning permission for a brand-new location at The Parks, Newton-le-Willows. Work at the new site is well underway with plans to transition students to the location in 2025.