Professional Guidance • Nurturing Talent
Ascend UK Team
At ASCEND UK, our strengths lie in the people who drive our mission forward. With deep experience in education, child safeguarding, cultural integration, and parent liaison, our team is united by one goal:
“To ensure international pupils flourish academically, emotionally, and socially while studying in the UK.”
Meet the dedicated professionals who make that possible.
Meet Our team
Frank Tian
Director & Educational Representative
Frank serves as the bridge between our UK operations and International families, especially in Mainland China and South East Asia. His cross cultural insight ensures smooth and trusting relationships.
Frank is a specialist in applying for UK independent Preparatory and Secondary schools for Chinese families. Under his leadership, Frank has helped many families achieve their goal of entering top UK Independent schools. Frank now wants to develop the experiences of International students by offering his knowledge to develop a wider range of opportunities for young people at all Ages & Stages.
Ascend UK was born from this idea and with the support of his fellow Directors offers high quality education support, training, knowledge and skills.
After graduating from Newcastle University, Frank has worked as a UK education advisor. He became one of the first Chinese agents certified by the British Council and completed the Educational Mentor Certificate at the University of Oxford. In 2012, Frank, with two other partners, founded Max Education, a company that provides Chinese students with one stop services including English language initiation, advanced tutoring, and International education planning. In 2020, to further refine the company's business segments, he established ISAC Education.
Robert Bentley
Head of Safeguarding, Governance & Financial Operations
Robert is Responsible for Safeguarding, Governance and Financial Operations. Robert ensures every guardian home meets the highest standards of safety and care, with 24/7 support always in place.
Robert maintains strong relationships with the country’s most prestigious Independent schools and universities, enabling him to expertly guide students towards the best educational opportunities. With a Master of Science degree, Robert is also a personal tutor who has helped many international students succeed with their applications for entry and scholarships at some of the UK’s premier Independent schools.
Robert’s blend of outstanding academic ability, practical support, and personal care ensures that every student in his charge receives a rich and rewarding experience in the UK, both academically and culturally.
Robert is an experienced and dedicated guardian, renowned for his unwavering commitment to student safeguarding, welfare and educational excellence. As the safeguarding lead, he regularly attends safeguarding events and conferences, ensuring he remains at the forefront of best practice in child protection. With a distinguished business career spanning over 25 years in education and skills, Robert has developed extensive international connections and a deep understanding of the UK education system.
Beverley Poole
Head of Families, Education Support, Recruitment & Marketing
Beverley leads our training strategy and has a deep background in child development and education. Tailoring programmes that empower both guardians and schools to support students of all Ages & Stages.
Beverley has also spent four years working with Families and Children in a UK primary school while working with a local authority to recruit foster carers. In addition to her achievements in Education, Beverley is an award-winning Business Mentor and has built and exited four businesses, and also recently worked on a project with the Department for Education considering skills shortages across the South Coast. Beverley acts as a Premier Guardian, hosting young students from China and is excited to develop the International Guardianship and Education support and Training offer to families in other countries, giving peace of mind while their children are away from home.
Beverley has spent 25 years working as a senior Leader in Business and Education. She studied Early Childhood Development and Education at Plymouth University, holds a Certificate in Education and a Diploma in Lifelong Learning. Beverley lectured in 6th form education for 10 years, delivering courses in Health Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Nutrition, Physiology, Lifespan Development, Child Development and Teacher Training; acting as Safeguarding lead for adult education.