The Access Project welcomes new Chief Executive Officer Anna Searle
The Access Project is pleased to welcome Anna Searle to the post of Chief Executive Officer.
On Monday 2 October 2023, Anna joins The Access Project to lead the organisation towards supporting under resourced students across the UK. Previously, Anna was Executive Director at the Education Development Trust, where she led and delivered high impact education and employability initiatives as well as managing strategic partnerships. Anna brings a wealth of experience in leading education development and social mobility programmes in the UK, and globally.
Anna said: “I am delighted to be joining the amazing team at The Access Project today and looking forward to getting to know the students, stakeholders, partners and supporters of our work. Already I know there are many dedicated supporters, whether in schools, universities, companies or as the invaluable volunteers who support our students to succeed.
“We believe every young person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, we’re passionate about reducing the educational barriers so many young people face and we know how vitally important our work is as access to top universities in the UK is profoundly unequal.
“As a widening participation charity, we are passionate about our mission, we have the evidence and data that proves our approach works and we know the need is greater than ever if we are going to support young people to access the opportunities they deserve.
“Have a look at our 2023 impact report, and let us know if we can support you, your students or partners and also if you can support us to deliver on our mission to improve social mobility through reducing educational inequality.”
The Access Project supports teenagers from under resourced backgrounds to unlock their potential and access an education at a top university. Students facing disadvantage are three times less likely to go to a top university compared to more advantaged students. The Access Project does this through a unique, multi-year programme of tuition and in-school mentoring. We are currently working with 1,900 students in 39 partner schools in London, the East and West Midlands, West Yorkshire and the North West.