About Us

Welcome to Higher & Adult Education at Ashton Sixth Form College

Your future. Your ambitions. Your next chapter.

Whether you're returning to education, looking to change career, developing your professional skills or taking your first steps towards university, we're here to help you make it happen.

At Ashton Sixth Form College, we believe that learning can open doors at any stage of life. Our Higher & Adult Education provision offers a range of courses and qualifications designed to help you develop your knowledge, build confidence and achieve your ambitions.

We understand that choosing to return to education is a big decision. You may be balancing work, family and other commitments, or perhaps you're still deciding what direction you want your future to take. Whatever your starting point, we're here to help you find the right course and take your next step.

Discover what you can achieve

From gaining essential qualifications to progressing into higher education or developing your career, we offer opportunities for adults with different experiences, interests and ambitions.

Adult education 

It's never too late to gain a qualification, learn something new or take your career in a different direction.

Our Adult Education courses are designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to progress, whether that's moving into employment, changing careers or preparing for further study.

Our provision includes GCSE English and Maths, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications, and courses in education, early years and professional development.

Whether you're looking to improve your existing qualifications or prepare for a completely new career, we'll help you explore the opportunities available.

Higher Education 

Take your learning further with our range of Higher Education programmes.

Studying at university level doesn't necessarily mean moving away or putting your life on hold. Our programmes provide opportunities to gain higher-level qualifications while studying at Ashton Sixth Form College.

Our provision includes:

  • Foundation Degree in Education
  • BA (Hons) Education Top-Up Degree
  • PGCE in Education Post-16
  • PGCE Primary with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Our programmes are designed to support academic and professional development, helping you build on your existing experience and progress towards your career goals.

We work with University and Teacher-training partners to support the delivery of our Higher Education provision.

Why choose Ashton Sixth Form College?

 Choosing where to study is an important decision. We want you to feel confident that you're making the right choice.

Support to help you succeed

Returning to education can feel daunting, particularly if it has been a while since you last studied. That's why creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment is important to us.

Our tutors bring subject knowledge and professional experience into the classroom. They understand that adult learners have different experiences, responsibilities and starting points.

You'll be encouraged to ask questions, develop your understanding and build confidence as you progress through your course. Our team is here to support you throughout your learning journey.

Progression that opens doors

Your course could be the first step towards something bigger.

You might want to improve your English and Maths, gain the qualifications needed to enter a new profession, progress to university or develop your existing career.

Our range of courses offers opportunities to build your qualifications and progress to the next level of study.

For example, you could progress from an Access to Higher Education Diploma to a university degree, or develop a career in education through Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications and further study.

We'll help you understand the options available and identify a route that supports your ambitions.

Learning that fits around your life

We recognise that adult learners have commitments beyond the classroom.

Work, family and other responsibilities can all influence when and how you study. Where possible, our programmes offer different study patterns, including part-time and evening options.

We want to help you find a course that works alongside your life, giving you the opportunity to invest in your future without losing sight of your other commitments.

A welcoming college community

When you study with us, you'll be part of the wider Ashton Sixth Form College community.

Our campus provides a range of facilities to support your learning, including library and IT facilities, dedicated learning spaces, Costa Coffee and our food market.

You'll have the opportunity to meet other learners, share experiences and develop new connections along the way.

A convenient place to study

Ashton Sixth Form College is based on Darnton Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, close to the town centre.

The campus is accessible by public transport, with bus, tram and train connections nearby. Tameside Hospital is also situated close to the college.

Whether you're travelling from home, work or further afield, our location provides a convenient place to continue your education.

Your next chapter starts here

A new qualification could help you change career. A degree could take you into a profession you've always wanted to pursue. Returning to education could give you the confidence to achieve something you once thought was out of reach.

Whatever your ambitions, taking that first step can make all the difference.

Our Higher & Adult Education team is here to help you explore your options, find the right course and understand how to apply.

Your future. Your ambitions. Your next chapter.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore our range of Adult Education and Higher Education courses and discover where learning could take you.

Explore our courses | Apply now | Contact our team

 

Great location, facilities, and a safe place to study

Situated on the Ashton Sixth Form College campus, the Higher and Adult Education Centre is conveniently close to Ashton-under-Lyne city centre. Easily accessible by bus, tram, or train, our college ensures a swift journey.

Ofsted praises Outstanding for adult learners

In our most recent full Ofsted inspection, our adult learning provision received an Outstanding rating. Ofsted noted that 'Adult students returning to education develop their confidence and self-belief.

Excellent progression to employment or further study

Over 90% of our students reported that they pursued employment or further education, bringing them closer to their goals and aspirations.

Great benefits from learning

96% of students reported enjoying all of their lessons, while 99% felt supported by the teaching and support staff. Additionally, 98% believe they are making good progress in their studies.

We hope you choose us as your educational provider, and we look forward to seein

Great location, facilities, and a safe place to study

Situated on the Ashton Sixth Form College campus, the Higher and Adult Education Centre is conveniently close to Ashton-under-Lyne city centre. Easily accessible by bus, tram, or train, our college ensures a swift journey.

Ofsted praises Outstanding for adult learners

In our most recent full Ofsted inspection, our adult learning provision received an Outstanding rating. Ofsted noted that 'Adult students returning to education develop their confidence and self-belief.

Excellent progression to employment or further study

Over 90% of our students reported that they pursued employment or further education, bringing them closer to their goals and aspirations.

Great benefits from learning

96% of students reported enjoying all of their lessons, while 99% felt supported by the teaching and support staff. Additionally, 98% believe they are making good progress in their studies.

We hope you choose us as your educational provider, and we look forward to seein