STAFF and students at Ascent Autism Specialist College have moved into their new home on the multi-use business park, The Parks in Newton-le-Willows.
They walked through the college’s doors in awe as they started the 2025/26 academic year by discovering everything their new, bespoke facility has to offer.
Originally designed as an office space, the 10,330sqft building has been through 15 weeks of refurbishment and fit-out work to transform it into an inclusive further education establishment that meets the learning and training needs of autistic young adults between the ages of 16 to 25.
The refurbishment, led by Manchester-based specialists Flexible Business Interiors (FBI) has provided the two-story building with traditional classrooms,a common room, chill zone, breakout space and conference suite to support students’ independence.
Julliet Doherty, head of adult services at Ascent College, said: “This week marks a significant milestone in the history of Ascent Autism Specialist College as we moved into our new home, having been at our previous site for 13 years.
“Both students and staff have been amazed by the fantastic job FBI have done. From the soft and hard furnishings to the painting and decorating, they’ve left no stone unturned, and we are extremely grateful for all their work in making our visions become a reality.
“I’m excited to start Ascent College’s next chapter here at The Parks and look forward to what the future holds as we continue to offer personalised pathways to independence and employment for autistic young adults across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.”
The move to The Parks was vital for Ascent College as it had outgrown its previous site in Wargrave Road having increased student numbers more than 200 per cent over the past three years, growing from 12 students in 2022 to 40 students in 2025.
Ascent College is part of the Remarkable Autism charity.
