Ashton Sixth Form College, formerly Ashton Grammar School, in Ashton-under-Lyne in Lancashire seems to be trying to put the past behind it and look to the future – despite the government’s drive to see grammars re-introduced. The last 34 years has seen the establishment’s cohort of students rise to over 2000, which makes for some busy mornings in its reception area. Manchester architect GA Studios looked to bring a new angle to registration with its dramatic, leaning reception block and Hadid-like centrepiece reception desk, that slides from 1200mm to 700mm to consider the less able-bodied among all those able brains.