About Us

The Ascentis Group includes Ascentis Awarding Organisation, International Dyslexia Learning Solutions Limited and Virtual Academy Limited.

Ascentis

Ascentis is an award-winning provider of cutting edge qualifications for education, training and business in the UK and overseas. We’ve been committed to delivering exceptional customer service and creating life changing opportunities for all since 1975.

Ascentis is distinctive in that it is both:

  • An Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, CCEA and Qualification Wales
  • An Access Validating Agency for Access to Higher Education Diplomas, licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency

We have a portfolio of user-friendly qualifications which include ESOL, English & Maths, Teacher Training, Construction, Digital Learning, Apprenticeships, Progression, Short Online Qualifications and Access to Higher Education Diplomas.

Ascentis has no shareholders, it is a charity and its sole purpose is to provide the optimal level of service to all of its customers. As a recognised charity we are committed to the provision of clear progression routes that enable learners to climb the 'qualifications ladder' and achieve their lifelong aspirations.

The flexible and learner-friendly ethos of Ascentis has resulted in centres throughout the UK choosing to run their qualifications with us. There are several reasons for choosing Ascentis as your awarding body:

  • Many of our qualifications are eligible for funding under the ESFA and Advanced Learner Loans
  • We have dedicated Customer Support Assistants who will be assigned to you as your named point of contact
  • We offer clear lines of progression to further learning, employment, or Higher Education
  • Our qualifications are competitively priced with no hidden costs
  • We offer free training and support for you and your staff

Ascentis has recently been featured in The Parliamentary Review: Highlighting best practice. Read the full article here.

Ascentis International

Ascentis have been working with Acadsoc, based in China, to deliver a range of customised qualifications. To learn more about this partnership click here.

IDLS

IDLS (International Dyslexia Learning Solutions) provides award-winning multi-sensory software programmes to primary and secondary schools in the UK and internationally. The focus of IDLS is to provide learning solutions to those most in need, and the software is used by thousands of children across the world.

Our specialist software was developed in direct response to the growing number of young people who are falling through the gaps in literacy and numeracy. IDL Literacy has been in use for over 30 years and can dramatically increase reading and spelling ages for those with dyslexia or low literacy levels. Research has also shown it can also have a hugely positive impact on the confidence and self-esteem of those using the programme.

IDL Numeracy is our most recent development, designed for those with dyscalculia and for low attaining learners in mathematics. It includes a fully graded course to support the National Curriculum for numeracy at KS1 and KS2. In order to be inclusive, the lessons are designed to reduce the stress those with dyscalculia would ordinarily feel when faced with mathematical problems.

IDLS has been part of the Ascentis family since 2013. Ascentis are an educational charity with a mission to enable learners to realise their full potential and achieve their lifelong aspirations.

Find out more about IDLS here.

Join us as an Ascentis
Approved Centre

Interested in learning more about working with us? Find out more here.

More information

Arrange a
Meeting

Request an online meeting or telephone call with one of our qualification experts to discuss your provision.

Book now

Upcoming
Events

Find out more about our upcoming Quality Meetings, IQA and Assessor Webinars and CPD Certified Training events.

More information

Watch Our Client Videos

Ascentis helps change the lives of over 170,000 learners each year. Hear about why our staff love working for us, and why our customers love working with us.

See all

Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service Speaking about Ascentis English & Maths Stepping Stones

Ascentis has a fantastic suite of English and Maths Stepping Stones qualifications which enable learners to focus on specific skills, build their confidence and progress onto further learning. This testimonial video features Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service who outline the benefits to them and their learners of using these qualifications.

Watch Video

The City of Liverpool College Speaking about Ascentis Access to Higher Education

Access to HE with Ascentis - We Make a Difference. Watch our Testimonial and hear how it makes a difference to learners and the opportunities it brings.

Watch Video

Best Practice People Speaking about Ascentis Short Online Qualifications

The Ascentis Short Online Qualifications are delivered in many centres across the UK and help to support learners’ Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare. Listen to Ascentis Customer, Best Practice People talk about how effective the Ascentis Short Online Qualifications are and how they successfully aid their NEET learners, improving skills and confidence in turn helping them secure employment.

Watch Video

Join hundreds of happy centres nationwide

Arrange a meeting

What our happy customers say

“We are very pleased that we made the move to Ascentis for all our ESOL exams. The exams are appropriate for our learners, and lecturers find the marking manageable. As an organisation, Ascentis is a pleasure to work with. Our queries are always dealt with quickly and we are extremely well supported by our verifier.”

Waltham Forest

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our first year with Ascentis. There has been support of a high quality throughout the academic year. Support has been provided through a variety of roles including the quality managers, lead EQA’s and subject moderators.”

Bradford College

“We have been delighted with the impact Ascentis Extended Awards in Mathematical Skills (Stepping Stones) have had on our student’s progression towards their functional skills mathematics as well as preparing them for the completion of their GCSE. It has taught them the essential skills in mathematics which enabled them to deal with the practical problems and challenges of life – at home, in education and at work. These skills are valued by employers and further education, and are a platform on which to build other employability skills. We are also very impressed with the level of service and commitment shown by the staff of Ascentis, they are always available to help whenever help is needed.”

Brent Start

“The transparency and support of Ascentis has been refreshing. Our moderation process has been a pleasure and developmental feedback has always been welcomed.”

Kensington & Chelsea College
News

Join our Ascentis Autumn ESOL Conference

Read more
News

Plant a Tree with Ascentis

Simply book a meeting with our Qualifications Expert!

Read more
News

Ascentis National Conference – Save the date!

Read more

3rd Nov 2021

Quality Assurance Events

Ascentis ESOL Writing Webinar

What will the Webinar cover? The webinar is free to join and may include standardisation activities as well as the opportunity to share best practice with other practitioners. You will also receive updates on Ascentis ESOL qualifications and general administration. Who can join the Webinar? All approved centres delivering Ascentis ESOL qualifications – centre co-ordinators, tutor/assessors and those involved in the Internal Quality Assurance of these qualifications – are invited to join this webinar. Who delivers the Webinar? The webinar is delivered by the Lead ESOL External Quality Assurer Ruth Simons. The Lead EQA is a subject expert in the field of ESOL and also works in centres as an EQA and so has extensive knowledge of Ascentis expectations and processes. A Quality Assurance Manager will also join the webinar to answer any QA specific questions. Why join the Webinar? Each attendee that participates in the webinar will receive a certificate of attendance which counts towards Continuing Professional Development. You will take part in valuable standardisation activities and receive useful information that will help with the standardisation, delivery and assessment of the qualifications. Feedback from previous webinar delegates includes: “Very well organised and good information given with good slides. Thanks” “Thank you, it was very informative” “It has been superb, plenty of clarification and good samples. Thank you” “This format was excellent and I feel more confident in marking written work with Ascentis assessments as a result of attending today” We very much hope you will take up this opportunity to join with our centres to participate in important quality assurance activities. Please note that this event is for Ascentis centres only and places are limited. Please book your place using your centre email address to avoid disappointment.

Read more

4th Nov 2021

Quality Assurance Events

Ascentis ESOL Speaking & Listening Webinar

What will the Webinar cover? The webinar is free to join and may include standardisation activities as well as the opportunity to share best practice with other practitioners. You will also receive updates on Ascentis ESOL qualifications and general administration. Who can join the Webinar? All approved centres delivering Ascentis ESOL qualifications – centre co-ordinators, tutor/assessors and those involved in the Internal Quality Assurance of these qualifications – are invited to join this webinar. Who delivers the Webinar? The webinar is delivered by the Lead ESOL External Quality Assurer Ruth Simons. The Lead EQA is a subject expert in the field of ESOL and also works in centres as an EQA and so has extensive knowledge of Ascentis expectations and processes. A Quality Assurance Manager will also join the webinar to answer any QA specific questions. Why join the Webinar? Each attendee that participates in the webinar will receive a certificate of attendance which counts towards Continuing Professional Development. You will take part in valuable standardisation activities and receive useful information that will help with the standardisation, delivery and assessment of the qualifications. Feedback from previous webinar delegates includes: “Very Professional - time well managed. Very useful information provided to use with teams” “Thank you, it was very informative” “Enjoyed it. Easy to follow” “This has been really helpful and so convenient having it via webinar. Thank you” We very much hope you will take up this opportunity to join with our centres to participate in important quality assurance activities. Please note that this event is for Ascentis centres only and places are limited. Please book your place using your centre email address to avoid disappointment.

Read more

10th Nov 2021

Ascentis Events

An overview of the Ascentis Construction Qualifications

This webinar will look at the Ascentis Construction Qualification range, from Entry 3 to Level 2 Diplomas, we will also look at the different types of Construction qualifications available, such as Skills for Employment, Health & Safety and Preparation for Plumbing.

Read more
  • AELP
  • CPD Certified
  • FAB
  • Cyber Essentials
  • Natecla
  • Access to Higher Education
  • The Parliamentary Review
  • West Yorkshire Learning Providers
Close
Ascentis customers please login to view full specifications, tracking sheets, sample papers, customer policies and key documents.

Qualifications

Specification Overviews

Key Documents

Close