Celebrating 50 years of Ascentis

Ascentis Celebrates 50 Years of Creating Life-Changing Opportunities

Ascentis is delighted to be celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. For five decades, Ascentis has been dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds through providing high-quality qualifications to colleges, training providers and employers.  

Founded in 1975, Ascentis has a rich history of supporting learners both in the UK and overseas across a wide range of subjects including Access to Higher Education (HE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Digital Skills and English and Maths. Ascentis has adapted consistently to the evolving needs of the workforce, providing innovative and flexible learning solutions that equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern world.

Key Achievements:

Ascentis was established as part of a partnership scheme between Lancaster University and Nelson and Colne College. Formerly known as the Open College of the North West (OCNW), it was the very first 'Open College' and the first to provide Access to Higher Education qualifications to adult learners. Access to HE is also celebrating its 50 year milestone in 2025.

• Commitment to learners - as an education charity our core focus is to transform the lives of learners through the power of education, providing clear progression routes and achieve lifelong aspirations. Last year we were proud to issue 218,000+ certificates!
• Developing high-quality qualifications - Ascentis has a long history of developing cutting-edge qualifications that are recognised and respected by education providers and employers across the UK, including our born-digital English and Mathematics Functional Skills qualifications, which are the first of their kind and industry-leading.
  
• Innovating in learning and assessment - Ascentis has embraced innovation in learning and assessment consistently, developing new and engaging approaches that cater to the diverse needs of learners. Ascentis is the first awarding body to offer innovative immersive learning through virtual reality environments to ESOL learners.
  
• Award-winning - Ascentis is proud to have won a multitude of awards over the years, inclusive of the two recent FAB awards for Awarding Organisation of the Year and Innovation of the Year.

Celebrating 50 years

We have lots of exciting plans throughout 2025 including a series of events and lifetime learning awards, and we look forward to celebrating with our valued centres. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information!

Looking Ahead: 

Ascentis is looking forward to the next 50 years, continuing to make our contribution to developing the skills and talent that the UK needs to thrive. We will continue to be committed to:

• Responding to the changing needs of the labour market - Developing new and innovative qualifications that meet the evolving needs of employers and the economy.
• Embracing technology - Utilising technology to enhance the learning experience and improve access to education and training.  
• Building strong partnerships - Collaborating with employers, educators and organisations to create a thriving skills network.

Ascentis' 50th anniversary is a testament to our dedication to creating life-changing opportunities for all and the support of all of our valued centres and partners. By offering high-quality, cutting-edge qualifications, we are proud to empower individuals to achieve their career goals and help build a better future for everyone.