ASCENT Autism Specialist College, part of the Remarkable Group, from Newton le Willows, Merseyside, has been named a Silver award winner of the School or College Partnership of the Year category in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards for their incredible impact on their College community.

Ascent College is leading the way in inclusive, employer driven education, transforming outcomes for autistic young adults and redefining pathways into work. Through partnerships with organisations including:- Holiday Inn Express, Vinci Facilities and a network of community collaborators, the College has significantly expanded access to high quality work placements, vocational qualifications and sustained employment opportunities.

The College takes a graduated approach to skill development through work experience. At the heart of this is its Vocational Learning Hub, where students develop workplace knowledge, skills and behaviours in Design and Printing, Horticulture, Animal Care and woodwork. Students who aspire to follow hospitality pathways are able to begin building authentic work skills in the College's catering horsebox which trades to the public twice a week. This strategy is delivering clear social and economic impact, helping to change perceptions, strengthen communities, and create lasting routes into employment.

Ascent College is among 99 outstanding:- teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and education settings honoured as Silver Winners in this year's awards on:- National Thank a Teacher Day, in recognition of their dedication and impact.

Julliet Doherty, Executive Head for Ascent College who applied for the highly regarded award explains:- "As Executive Head of Ascent Autism Specialist College, I am immensely proud to announce we have won the Silver Pearson Award for School or College Partnership of the Year. This honour recognises the dedication, innovation and collaboration of our staff, students, stakeholders and partners. Together we have created inclusive, life changing opportunities and measurable successes for our students. Thank you to everyone who contributed, this award celebrates our commitment to excellence and continued progress for our autistic young adults."

Ascent College will now be in with the chance of winning the coveted Gold award, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in London and on BBC One's The One Show later this year.

Robin Bush, CEO of the Remarkable Group, said:- "We are incredibly proud that Ascent College has been recognised with the Silver Pearson Award for School or College Partnership of the Year. This achievement reflects the dedication, creativity and unwavering commitment of our staff team, who work every day to provide exceptional opportunities and outcomes for our students. Most importantly, it celebrates the achievements of our young people and the inclusive, aspirational culture that sits at the heart of Ascent College."

National Thank a Teacher Day, and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, Colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children's Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says:- "The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful. I'm especially proud to congratulate this year's Silver award winners. In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy, and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating. Thank you for the dedication you show every single day"

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says:- "For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of. Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood. We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special. This year's Silver Winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country, and we're delighted to be celebrating them today. Congratulations to every Silver Winner!"

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson commented:- "On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms. I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives. So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication, your commitment and your hunger to help your pupils go on to live better, more fulfilling lives."

Rachel Johnson, CEO, PiXL, Sponsor of The Award for School or College Partnership of the Year says:-"The strongest schools and Colleges truly value the power of successful partnerships. When communities work together with trust, ambition, and a focus on what truly matters for the young people they lead, the results can be extraordinary. This year's Silver Award winners have demonstrated exactly that, and we are delighted to recognise the exceptional outcomes they have achieved together. Congratulations."