Every young person deserves to be believed in
We built Ashley Jade for the young people who needed something different — a place where they are noticed, heard, and respected for exactly who they are.
Two people, one belief
Ashley Jade Education Group began with two people who arrived from very different worlds but believed the same thing. Ashley had spent her career in the hair and beauty industry — managing salons, opening her own, and building a thriving training academy — and carried a deep passion not just for the craft, but for teaching it and passing it on. It was that passion for education within the industry that drove her to open the college.
Alongside her, Joanne brought over twenty years in education, with a specialism in SEND — a career spent making sure the young people the system too often overlooked were the ones who mattered most.
Together, they saw something that needed to change. Across the area, a growing number of young people were struggling to sustain mainstream education — or had already fallen out of it. Not because they couldn't learn, but because they needed something different: a smaller, calmer, more nurturing place where they felt noticed, where they had a voice, and where they were respected for exactly who they were — whatever their background. So they built it.
Led with heart and expertise
Ashley Hawkes
Years of industry experience across salons and a successful training academy — and a lifelong passion for education that built Ashley Jade.
Joanne Coughlan
Over 20 years in education, specialising in SEND — making sure every young person's needs shape their learning, every single day.
Trusted with what matters most
What began as an answer to a real, local need has grown — year on year — into a provision that families, schools and local authorities trust. We work hand in hand with the local high schools who place their young people with us, and with the parents who put their child's education, and their wellbeing, in our hands.
Every year we're independently inspected by our local authority through a strict due-diligence and quality-assurance process — and our most recent inspection rated us GREEN across all areas, the highest standard on the framework. And behind it all is a team we're proud of: every member of staff is fully qualified and holds an enhanced DBS check.
Rated across all areas
Awarded at our most recent Sefton Council inspection.
Qualified team
Fully qualified staff, all with enhanced DBS checks.
Growing with trust
More schools, families and young people choosing us.
We walk it with them
When a young person walks through our door, we walk alongside them — through every hour they spend with us. We're there for the small victories and the big ones. And we are just as proud on their last day as we were on their first.
Whether they come back in September for another year, return to mainstream education, or step out into further training or employment — every journey matters, and every step is one we're proud to have shared.
Every child has a voice
Because this has always been about more than qualifications. It's about changing how a young person sees themselves — and what they believe their future can hold. That's the difference we get up for. That's Ashley Jade.
Let's change what the future looks like
Whether you're a parent, a young person, or a school or local authority — we'd love to show you what we do.
Get in touch →