Our programmes
The Access Project’s tailored widening participation programmes provide under-resourced pupils aged 14-18 with bespoke mentoring and support, guiding them on their journey to higher education.
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
Gateway
- 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
Accelerate
- In-school mentorship from our University Access Officers
- Enrichment activities
- Trips to universities
- University application guidance
- One-to-one essential skills coaching
Accelerate Plus
- 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 impact
Students supported in 40 schools
Hours of tutoring in 2022-2023
of our students come from the most under-resourced backgrounds
of our students received offers from top universities in 2023
Contact us
Contact information
The Access Project,
First Floor, Canopi-Borough,
7-14 Great Dover Street,
London,
SE1 4YR
020 4513 5999
info@theaccessproject.org.uk
Media enquiries line: 07767 100582
media@theaccessproject.org.uk
The Access Project safeguarding line: 020 4513 5999 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm)
NSPCC helpline (visit the NSPCC website for up to date opening hours): 0808 800 5000 help@nspcc.org.uk