Specialist college welcomes local community for Christmas extravaganza 

Ascent Autism Specialist College, Newton-le-Willows, recently 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 college welcomed a host of VIP guests, including the MP for St Helen’s, David Baines, MP for Newton-le-Willows West, Cllr Terry Maguire, the mayor of St Helen’s, Cllr Jeanette Banks, and Deputy Lieutenant, Dame Elaine Inglesby-Burke DBE. 

Members of the Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club were also in attendance, bringing with them another ‘special’ guest, Father Christmas in his sleigh. 

Keeping with tradition, students from across Ascent College played a key role in the planning and preparation of the event. Over the last few weeks, students had made hand-crafted, bespoke items to sell at the markets including sweet cones, chocolate wreaths, and personalised letters from Santa. 

During the event, students promoted their enterprise businesses – business ideas they have developed within their classes as part of the Peter Jones Foundation’s ‘Tycoon Enterprise Competition’. 

The market stalls were decorated by students, who carefully crafted decorations to make their stalls stand out. 

CEO of Remarkable Autism, Robin Bush, commented on the event’s success. He said: “The students and staff at Ascent College have delivered another fantastic event for families and the wider community.

“The event was the perfect way to end an incredible start to the academic year.”