Work is underway on a new college building for Ascent Autism Specialist College, following its rapid expansion.
The college, which has gone from having just 12 students in 2022 to 40 students this academic year, was in need of a new site after outgrowing its current home on Wargrave Road.
Having recently purchased a plot on The Parks in Newton-le-Willows, work is now underway to create a bespoke facility designed to offer personalised pathways to independence and employment for its students, with completion expected to take 15 weeks.
Ascent College prides itself on developing its autistic students with the knowledge, skills and workplace behaviours needed for life and employment, and in an Ofsted inspection that took place in March 2025 the college was praised for preparing students to “progress to positive destinations, including further study, supported internships and work.”
By moving to the new site on The Parks, it will allow the college to continue to enhance students’ functional, personal and self-help abilities through hands-on experiences as it bases itself on the business park and they are further exposed to the world of work.
Ascent College are working with Manchester-based specialist fit-out and refurbishment company Flexible Business Interiors (FBI), that have completed high-profile projects for the likes of PZ Cussons, Pets At Home and Lotus Bakeries, to ensure the new college best meets the needs of the neurodiverse young adults the college serves.
Designed by NJSR Chartered Architects with input from both staff and students, FBI has worked with Ascent College to select appropriate materials, from building resources for soundproofing to soft furnishings such as blinds to give the necessary levels of light exposure and support students’ sensory needs.
The college’s two-story new site will include traditional classrooms, as well as areas such as a common room, chill zone, breakout space and conference suite to support students’ independence.
Head of adult services at Ascent College, Julliet Doherty, said: “Work beginning on the new college building at The Parks marks an important milestone in the college’s history and will further enable our young adults to gain lifelong transferable skills that will allow them to thrive as happy and fulfilled individuals beyond college.
“We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with FBI who have been excellent in understanding our specific requests to ensure the new space best meets the needs for all the students we serve.”
As part of FBI’s work with Ascent College, the college has offered to deliver autism in the workplace training to the team, a programme they deliver to all businesses free of charge to break down barriers and support employers in making reasonable adjustments for autistic employees.
Director of FBI, David Leah, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Ascent Autism Specialist College to transform its new site into a welcoming and inclusive space.
“Unlike many of our previous projects, due to the close relationship we’ve built with stakeholders and the nature of the fit-out, it’s been extremely rewarding seeing the work we’ve done so far enjoyed by the students.”
To support students’ transition from their current college site, FBI has sent weekly reports over to Ascent College with project updates and photographs, which the leadership team have adapted and presented to students to give them a lived experience of what it means to fit out and refurbish buildings.
Ascent Autism Specialist College is part of the Remarkable Autism Charity. The charity supports autistic individuals aged five to 25 through integrated services, including Wargrave House School and Sundial Therapy.