Willis, a graduate of St John's College, Cambridge, was appointed curate at the parish church at Meads in Eastbourne.

A year later he married Sophia Caroline Baker and he and his wife decided to use their house in Selwyn Road as a small school called Ascham.

He named the school after Roger Ascham, a fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge and tutor to Lady Jane Grey in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Willis played for Eastbourne Football Club from 1889 to 1904, part of that time as captain, and was very keen on sport for the school, including shooting.

Ascham St. Vincent's prospered, with leavers spassing entrance exams to public schools of their choice and winning scholarships to Eton, Malvern and Eastbourne colleges.