Impact

We have a proven track record of helping the country’s most under-resourced young people to place at top universities.

Explore our 2023/24 impact report

Our impact: Paving the way for success

Going to a top university gives young people the best chance of becoming socially mobile. Higher education opens doors to better job opportunities, higher earning potential, and ultimately, a shift in the socioeconomic landscape. However, students from the areas in which we work are significantly under-represented at these universities. Our widening participation work challenges this and helps more students from under-resourced backgrounds unlock a pathway to higher education.

Since 2008, we have supported over 10,000 students, helping them to realise their potential and transform their future prospects. In 2023/24, we helped more than 230 young people place at top universities.

Young people on our programme are 50% more likely to place at top universities compared with demographically and academically similar students.

90%

of our students applied to a top university in 2023/24

94%

of our students feel more positive about their future

232

of our students placed at top universities in 2023/24

“I’ve always aspired to attend a Russell Group university because of the vast opportunities they offer and the advantage they provide in the job market… When I opened my envelope [on A level results day], I was overwhelmed with a rush of relief and joy upon seeing my results.”
Zelal, former student at The Access Project, now studying Psychology at Queen Mary, University of London

Unlocking barriers to education

We pride ourselves on delivering impactful, individualised mentoring, working in partnership with schools to deliver a programme that builds students’ university readiness and removes barriers to equality of opportunity. We believe strongly in the power of expert mentoring to change young peoples’ lives: setting them up for success.

Delivered by our team of trained University Access Officers, this mentoring support remains the cornerstone of our programme models. We offer tailored advice on university access, themed
workshops, student finance guidance, enrichment opportunities through our corporate partners, additional support for those students wishing to apply for competitive courses or institutions, and university visits to top universities for students in Year 10 and Year 12.