The Access Project
Helping under-resourced young people access top universities for 15 years.
The Access Project
We support students from under-resourced backgrounds to access top universities, through a unique combination of tuition and in-school mentoring. We work with them to make good applications, get the grades and transition to university.
How The Access Project makes a difference
At The Access Project we believe that every young person, regardless of background, should be able to make the most of education. We work with students from disadvantaged backgrounds to unlock their potential by:
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- Placing mentors in schools to work with students so they have the knowledge and support to make strong university applications
- Training tutors to boost grades.
This almost doubles their chances of getting into a top university.
Education in the UK today
In the UK today disadvantaged young people are five times less likely to go to a top university than their more advantaged peers. That means each year 17,500 miss out on a place which their talent warrants, and all the opportunities a top education brings.
The pandemic was particularly hard for disadvantaged students, and many hours of learning were lost. Research has shown that disadvantaged pupils are further behind their peers as a result of learning lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is reflected in GCSE grades. According to the latest government figures, the difference in GCSE attainment between disadvantaged students and their more affluent peers widened in 2021 for the first time in ten years. It is clear that the access gap is expanding…
That’s why our work is so important now.
Our programme increases a student’s chances of getting into a top university
- Students with The Access Project are almost twice as likely as similarly disadvantaged students to attend top universities
- 53% of our students placed at top universities in 2022
- GCSE students with The Access Project make on average half a grade more progress than their peers, in their tutored subjects. That’s equivalent to four months more progress
- The Access Project is committed to working with the teenagers who need us most. This year 92% of our students came from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
Latest news
Volunteer tutoring opportunities – “Seeing your students succeed is so rewarding”
Looking to give back to a good cause? The Access Project is recruiting volunteer tutors to help young people boost their grades and achieve their dreams. Today, we're sharing the story of Adam, a volunteer tutor who joined The Access Project in 2020.Adam is one of...
The Access Project celebrates its 15th birthday
Happy Birthday to The Access Project!In October 2023, The Access Project celebrates its 15th anniversary. Since 2008, The Access Project has helped thousands of high potential young people bridge the education gap and access courses at top UK universities. Teacher...
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."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...
The whole scheme makes you think about what kind of aspirations you have, and how to be realistic about what you want. Tutoring isn’t just beneficial for your grades, it’s about being aware of your goals so you’re more likely to achieve them.
Chriso, one of our former students who is now studying Law at King’s College London
Chriso, one of our former students who is now studying Law at King’s College London
Get In Touch
Contact info
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: 020 4513 5999 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm)
media@theaccessproject.org.uk
The Access Project safeguarding line: 020 4513 5999 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm)
NSPCC 24 hour line:
0808 800 5000
Get in touch
Contact info
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: 020 4513 5999 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm)
media@theaccessproject.org.uk
The Access Project safeguarding line: 020 4513 5999 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm)
NSPCC 24 hour line:
0808 800 5000