Award-winning Ascent College brings community together at spring fayre

The Ascent college, based in Newton-le-Willows, is well respected for supporting people with autism and breaking down barriers in understanding the condition.

School leaders often involve their pupils in community projects such as opening a preloved cafe and shop, and launching environmental projects.

The school has also been crowned winner of the 'Creative School of the Year Award' at a prestigious national ceremony and pupils have also visited the House of Commons to speak about SEND further education.

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The event brought together pupils, parents, teachers, and the wider community (Image: Ascent College)
Another event to bring the community together took place late last month, with Ascent's spring fayre on the college grounds.

In the run-up to the fayre, Ascent College students made an array of bespoke items to be sold at the event. During their classes, they created decorative Easter-themed gift bags. 

Students were involved in the whole event from start to finish, helping them develop essential life skills, social communication skills, enterprise skills, and employability skills. 

On the day, the event welcomed students, staff, parents/carers and the local community to browse the array of stalls and participate in fun-filled activities. 

Students greeted visitors, worked on the stalls selling items to customers, and served hot and cold food and refreshments in the college’s Cosy Corner Café. 

The stalls also offered a range of different items, including hand-made treats, Easter goodie bags and bespoke gifts. 

Games were available for guests to enjoy, with everything from lucky dips to a tombola, while attendees were also treated to the musical talents of Ascent College student Yanick, who delivered an incredible performance throughout the morning. 

In attendance was Cllr Terry Maguire, Newton-le-Willow West Earlestown, who kindly gifted all students with Easter eggs, donated on behalf of Business for Youth in Newton-le-Willows.

Other guests included Cllr Jeanie Bell, family, friends, parents, and learners from Wargrave House School. 

Ascent often hosts community events for their pupils to get involved in (Image: Ascent College)
Julliet Doherty, head of adult services at Ascent College, said: “Our spring fayre is a wonderful event that allows our students to be fully involved in all aspects of planning and delivering an event. 

“Ahead of the event, students worked hard to create beautiful bespoke items to be sold, helping them gain new enterprise skills. 

"There is a lot of planning that goes into ensuring the event’s success and the sense of pride the students have following the fayre is incredible. Well done to everyone involved!”