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theaccessproject.org.uk
The Access Project
@theaccessproject.org.uk
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Education charity supporting under-resourced young people to access top universities and achieve social mobility 💚 theaccessproject.org.uk
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theaccessproject.org.uk
Contextual admissions, access schemes, foundation years... 📚

There's a wide range of options available to help young people get into university - but often, they don't know where to begin. The Access Project is empowering students like Lily to take control of their education.
Text reads: The Access Project’s resources are teaching me how to get to university and about access schemes, foundation years and contextual admissions. This is extra information that teachers might forget to mention, so helps me to be more informed about how to apply to university. Quote by Lily, Year 12 student at The Access Project
January 22, 2026 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
We are delighted to welcome Sam Davies to The Access Project as Interim Director of Fundraising and Communications.

https://loom.ly/43ftGi0
Sam Davies, Interim Director of Fundraising and Communications
We are delighted to welcome Sam Davies as Interim Director at The Access Project.
theaccessproject.org.uk
January 19, 2026 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Overcoming barriers to education 📈

Young people on our programme are 50% more likely than statistically similar peers to progress to top universities, giving them the best chance of achieving social mobility.
Divine, student at The Access Project. Text reads: Our students are 50% more likely to attend top universities compared to statistically similar peers.
January 15, 2026 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
"I’ve been offered a wide range of enrichment opportunities to support me with my application." 🎓

Ilhan wants to be a doctor. Through our medicine mentoring pathway, Ilhan is acquiring the skills she'll need to thrive at uni - and make her dreams come true.

#Healthcare #HigherEducation
Ilhan, year 13 student at The Access Project. Ilhan is standing in front of a sign that reads "University of Birmingham School". Text reads: “I’m aspiring to study medicine at university and to become a doctor. Through The Access Project, I’ve been offered a wide range of enrichment opportunities to support me with my application. If I hadn’t joined The Access Project, I would’ve missed out on all these opportunities available to me.”
January 14, 2026 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Neil McIntosh CBE, former Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Access Project.

We are incredibly grateful to Neil for his thoughtful guidance of The Access Project. We extend our sympathies to Neil’s friends, family, and colleagues during this time.
In memoriam: Neil McIntosh, former Chair of the Board - The Access Project
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Neil McIntosh CBE, former Chair of...
theaccessproject.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 10:47 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Education should be for everyone, not just the wealthy.

We work with young people to develop skills, grow confidence, and find pathways to university. We're committed to a future in which everybody has the chance to succeed.
Text reads: Students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are three times less likely to attend university. We're here to change that. The Access Project logo.
January 12, 2026 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Can we write to you? ✍️

Find volunteering opportunities, fundraisers, success stories and more in our quarterly supporters' newsletter 🗞️

Join our mailing list 🔗 https://loom.ly/aF6RgJ8
Student at The Access Project holding an envelope. Text reads: Let's be pen pals. Sign up to our quarterly newsletter. Theaccessproject.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 8:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Alicia joined The Access Project during a difficult time in her life.

With help from her mentors, Alicia is growing her academic skills and unlocking her potential - learning how to thrive in education and beyond. 👏

#SocialMobility #HigherEducation
Alicia, Year 13 student at The Access Project. Text reads: I was going through a really tough time at the start of Year 12. My mum was just going into remission from cancer, and I had moved to a new place of education where I didn't know many people and struggled to adapt... The Access Project helped me manage these challenges and guided me on how to organise my time and make beneficial decisions for my future.
January 7, 2026 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Looking to give back to a good cause in 2026? Start a fundraiser for The Access Project to help a young person get the education they deserve 💚

Run a marathon, sell baked treats, or take on a sponsored silence - the choice is yours!

Get started with your fundraising kit 🔗 https://loom.ly/spnm9DA
Benjamin Rose running a marathon to raise money for The Access Project. Text reads: A resolution worth keeping. Fundraise for The Access Project in 2026 and you'll help young people break barriers to education. Download your fundraising pack to get started!
January 5, 2026 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Merry Christmas from everybody at The Access Project! 🎄❄️💚
Christmas tree with lights and ornaments. Text reads: Merry Christmas from everybody at The Access Project.
December 25, 2025 at 9:02 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
We're taking a short break for the winter holidays ❄️

Our offices will be closed from 23 December - 1 January.

Sending festive wishes to all of our followers and supporters - and enormous thanks for championing our mission all year round. We'll see you in 2026! 💚
Close up of pine tree needles. The Access Project logo. Text reads: Winter Closure, 23 December - 1 January. See you in 2026!
December 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Karim* joined The Access Project in Year 12 with big dreams of going to university. After struggling with his first personal statement, he's now developing skills to enhance his university application - and is ready to take his next steps into higher education.

#SocialMobility #HigherEducation
Background shows students listening to a talk in a university lecture theatre. Text reads: I am dyslexic, so I struggled to write my first personal statement draft. i did not know how to structure my sentences or write in an academic way. Consistent support from my University Access Officer has taught me not only how to write a personal statement, but develop the skills that will support me while I am at university. - Karim, Year 13 student at The Access Project
December 16, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Real people, real impact.

Tahmid was one of the first students to join The Access Project. Now, he's one of our Trustees - guiding the organisation as we aspire to help more under-resourced young people reach their potential.

💬 "There's no way I'd be where I am today without The Access Project"
Inset portrait of Tahmid Chowdhury, Trustee and former student at The Access Project. Text reads: "“There’s no way I’d be where I am today without The Access Project, and I think that’s true for a lot of kids who benefit from their work. Above all, the charity gives hope. That means everything to a 16-year-old council estate lad like I was, who knows that the odds are stacked against him.”
December 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Chag sameach to all of our Jewish students celebrating Hanukkah! 🕯️✨

#HappyHanukkah #Hanukkah
Golden menorah with 9 lit candles. Text reads: Happy Hanukkah from everybody at The Access Project.
December 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Staff from across the organisation got together last week for our first full meeting of the academic year.

Trustee Mike Crowhurst joined us to discuss higher education, and CEO Anna Searle encouraged staff to reflect on our achievements. Thanks to everyone for taking part and providing the bakes!
A large digital sign in the Canopi office lobby displays the logo of The Access Project and the message: “Welcome to The Access Project - ACCESS CONNECT - in the Boardroom 5 December 2025.” The sign stands beside a turnstile and a small directional sign pointing toward the event. Plants and modern office furnishings are visible in the background. Trustee Mike Crowhurst stands beside a large screen displaying a line graph depicting data on access to top universities for under-resourced young people. The Canopi office meeting room is modern. Mike stands behind a table containing a lap top, with two chairs behind it. Next to Mike is a pull up banner promoting the work of The Access Project. A flip chart contains numerous coloured post it notes, all displaying messages from staff at The Access Project about their proudest achievements so far this academic year. A large modern office table is laden with baked goods for The Access Project's bake off competition. You can see the lower half of a number of staff who are patiently waiting to tuck into the bakes.
December 12, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Huge thanks to the Knowledge Exchange Group and Westminster Insights for hosting us at the Rethinking Social Mobility Conference earlier this month. It was wonderful to connect with colleagues passionate about social change - we look forward to working with you in 2026!

#SocialMobility
December 11, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
The total is in... 🥁

You raised £11,808 for our #BigGiveChristmasChallenge! 🥳

All of your donations will support young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to grow their skills, access high quality education, and build brighter futures. Thank you for your support! 💚✨💚
Collection of portraits showing students from The Access Project. Text reads: You raised... £11,808 - Thanks for supporting our Big Give Christmas Challenge!
December 9, 2025 at 1:02 PM
theaccessproject.org.uk
🚨 24 HOURS LEFT for the #BigGiveChristmasChallenge! 🚨

Last chance to DOUBLE your impact - at no extra cost to you.

Donate before 12pm tomorrow and you'll help us give even more young people access to the quality education they deserve.

Make a donation 🔗 https://loom.ly/DG0NakI
Text reads: 24 hours to go! Support the Big Christmas Challenge by 12pm on 9 December
December 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
📢 EXCITING NEWS for our #BigGiveChristmasChallenge! 📢

Double donations are BACK!

Donate before 12pm on 9 December to boost your gift - and you'll help us give even more young people access to the quality education they deserve.

Make a donation 🔗 https://loom.ly/DG0NakI
Bar chart showing progress towards Big Give total of £10,250. Text reads: Double donations are back. Help us reach our stretch goal before 9 December. Two female students at The Access Project. Text reads: One donation. Twice the impact. When you gift £25, your donation is doubled to £50 to support young people to break barriers to education.
December 5, 2025 at 12:01 PM
theaccessproject.org.uk
In 2024, 81% of students taking part in our #WideningParticipation programme received an offer from a top university, compared to just 49% of statistically similar students.

When you support The Access Project, you're helping young people facing disadvantage to overcome beat the odds ✨
Male student at The Access Project. Text reads: 81% of our students received an offer from a top university.
December 5, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
👏 YOU DID IT! 👏

Three days in and we've already smashed our target for the #BigGivingChristmasChallenge! A massive thank you to everybody who has donated so far 💚

You can still make a difference - keep the donations going to support even more young people in education 🔗 https://loom.ly/DG0NakI
Meter displaying £0 at one end, £4,500 at the other end. Arrow is pointing to £4,500 mark. Text reads: You did it! We've hit our goal - but you can still donate to make a difference! Donate to the Big Give Christmas Challenge before 12pm on 9 December.
December 4, 2025 at 8:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
🚨 BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE! 🎁

From 12pm today until 9 December, all donations to our Christmas campaign will be doubled by our match-funders - which means every penny you give will have twice the impact for the young people we work with.

Please give generously 💚

#GivingTuesday #BigGive
Two students at The Access Project, smiling. Graphic shows a progress bar tracking donations on a scale of £0 to £4,500. Meter is pointing at 0. Text reads: Take on the Big Give Christmas Challenge! Help us reach our goal before 9 December. Two students holding results on A level results day. Text reads: One donation. Twice the impact. When you gift £25, your donation is doubled to £50 to support young people to break barriers to education.
December 2, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
By giving to The Access Project this Christmas, you can help young people like Patrice to build brighter futures.

Support our Big Give Christmas Challenge between 2 December - 9 December to double your donation at no extra cost to you ✨

Make a donation 🔗 https://loom.ly/DG0NakI
Patrice, student at The Access Project. Text reads: Patrice could become a doctor. Your support will help him get there.
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Yesterday, we visited Parliament with the Fair Access Coalition to explore how we can achieve the national ambition for two thirds of young people to progress to higher learning.

We're pleased to be surrounded by colleagues passionate about creating a fairer future, for everyone.
Large group of colleagues from the Fair Access Coalition Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Clock Tower in London, United Kingdom. Fair Access Coalition and The Access Project logos. Group of colleagues from the Fair Access Coalition Group of colleagues from the Fair Access Coalition featuring The Access Project CEO Anna Searle (right)
November 28, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Building confidence for brighter futures 💪

Empowering young people is at the heart of our mission. We work with students like Finlay to grow their skills, achieve in education, and take control of their futures to achieve social mobility.

#Education #SocialMobility
Background shows students in an assembly writing on worksheets. Text reads: The Access Project has allowed me to become more confident in myself and it has allowed me to make stronger connections with my peers" - Finlay, Year 11 student at The Access Project
November 27, 2025 at 9:01 AM