Our programmes combat educational inequality and improve social mobility by raising students’ grades and supporting them to understand the pathway to a top university. We partner with eligible secondary schools and colleges who share our belief that high potential students, regardless of their background, should have equitable access to higher education.

We embed a dedicated member of The Access Project staff (a University Access Officer) in our partner schools to work with students on our programmes, as well as offering tuition, coaching and enrichment opportunities such as university visits. In the last 15 years we have provided mentoring and tutoring for more than 10,000 students, changing both their aspirations and life chances. But there is still more work to be done.

Inequality is at its highest in ten years. Exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, there are currently tens of thousands of under-resourced young people eligible for The Access Project’s support.

We have increased our programme portfolio in order to reach even more young people, providing schools with an opportunity to select a package that works for them. Our programmes are significantly subsidised, meaning that schools only pay 25% of the total costs at a time when school budgets are tight.

Find out more about our school partnerships on our schools page.

Our programmes

  • In-school mentorship from our University Access Officers
  • Enrichment activities
  • Trips to universities
  • University application guidance
  • Weekly one-to-one or group tuition in a subject of the student’s choice
  • In-school mentorship from our University Access Officers
  • Enrichment activities
  • Trips to universities
  • University application guidance
  • One-to-one essential skills coaching
  • In-school mentorship from our University Access Officers
  • Enrichment activities
  • Trips to universities
  • University application guidance
  • One-to-one essential skills coaching
  • Weekly group tuition in a subject of the student’s choice

“Our school has partnered with The Access Project for the best part of a decade. In my time as head, I have watched pupils thrive under the mentorship that the programme provides. Our students experience a lot of turbulence in their daily lives, and I am grateful to have The Access Project’s support in helping them navigate these barriers and their education.”

Zoë Thompson, Headteacher at Oasis Academy Hadley