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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
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
theaccessproject.org.uk
What an honour to attend the 2025 Director of the Year Awards 🏆

We were delighted to attend the awards as this year's charity partner. Congratulations to all of the winners - and thanks once again to the Institute of Directors for supporting our mission and our young people 💚
Dining hall at The Grand Hotel Birmingham hosting the Institute of Directors Director of the Year Awards 2025. Tahmid Chowdhury and Anna Searle on stage at the Institute of Directors Director of the Year Awards 2025. Anna is stood at a podium and addressing the crowd. Director of the Year Awards 2025 programme booklet showing The Access Project's logo amongst other parther logos. Text reads: A celebration of leadership talent, success and achievement Tahmid Chowdhury addressing the crowd at the Director of the Year Awards 2025
November 26, 2025 at 12:02 PM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Take on the #BigGive Christmas Challenge with The Access Project! 🎁

From 2 December - 9 December, all donations to our Christmas Challenge will be matched by our generous fundraising champions. One donation, twice the impact.

Set your reminders and give back to a good cause this winter 💚❄️
Two female students at The Access Project, smiling. Text reads: One donation. Twice the impact. We're taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Tuesday 2 December - Tuesday 9 December. The Access Project logo, Fundraising regulator logo, Big Give Christmas Challenge logo.
November 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
🩷💚 How wonderful to see Cynthia Erivo return to La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School last week! We're lucky to have La Retraite on board as one of our partners - and it's delightful to work with talented students every day.

#WickedForGood

https://loom.ly/mGeGp-w
Alumni Cynthia Erivo Visits La Retraite
We were thrilled to welcome Cynthia Erivo, one of our talented alumni, back to La Retraite to perform the new Wicked Movie song 'For Good' with our choir. Her visit was a truly inspiring experience for our students, highlighting the importance of resilience, creativity, and self-belief.
www.laretraite.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
📈 Two thirds of students are working alongside their studies to cover basic costs, says @hepi-news.bsky.social @unilancashire.bsky.social

Financial pressure while studying is detrimental to academic success and wellbeing.

Our response 🔗 https://loom.ly/bzWloUE

#HigherEducation #CostOfLiving
Anna Searle, CEO at The Access Project. Text reads: “This report confirms what we see every day at The Access Project: many of our students are forced into term-time work just to make ends meet, and when that work is low paid or insecure, it undermines their academic performance and wellbeing. It is not enough to support widening participation and access; we must ensure that students who have overcome so many barriers on the way to university get the financial support, advice for employment, and institutional backing they need to succeed.
November 21, 2025 at 8:37 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Our students are breaking barriers to education 💪

Alisha is a student on our Oxbridge Pathway programme. Working with The Access Project has helped her realise her ambitions and aim for a bright future at a top university.

Read Alisha's story 👉 https://loom.ly/USbrKBE

#SocialMobility
Alisha, Year 13 student at The Access Project. Text reads: There are some opportunities and programmes that I can't do because of geographical and financial limits. As The Access Project is free for us, it’s been really good because it makes me think that I can actually do these things, as opposed to thinking that it’s not for me because I’m not from a certain class or in a certain place in society.
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
The Access Project makes a real difference. Young people on our programme are 50% more likely to progress to top universities, giving them the best chance of achieving social mobility.

Explore our impact 👉 https://loom.ly/SYrNHzo
Divine, student at The Access Project. Text reads: Our students are 50% more likely to attend top universities compared to statistically similar peers.
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Two thirds of young people will take part in higher level learning, under new government targets.

https://loom.ly/GfNYqcY
Post-16 education and skills white paper response - The Access Project
Last week saw the much-anticipated release of the government’s white paper on post-16 education and...
theaccessproject.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
We're at the #THE Student Success conference in Edinburgh 👋

Our director Miguel Herdade will be speaking with higher education sector colleagues, discussing how universities can hone students' financial literacy to help mitigate the cost of living.

Come and say hello - we'd love to meet you 💚
Image advertising THE Student Success UK & IE conference panel: How can universities hone students' financial literacy and help mitigate cost of living. Featuring Miguel Herdade, Director at The Access Project, and other colleagues from across the sector. Edinburgh International Conference Centre
November 13, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Ever thought about volunteering? 🙌

We're looking for passionate people to join us as volunteer skills coaches in January 2026, working one-to-one with our young people.

⌛ 1 hour per month, flexible to your schedule
✅ No experience needed

Apply to volunteer 👉 https://loom.ly/TDvaqVg
Group of male students at The Access Project. One student is looking down at a brochure. Text reads: Give the gift of a brighter future. Become a volunteer coach to help a young person facing disadvantage grow their life skills. Theaccessproject.org.uk/volunteer.
November 12, 2025 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
November 10, 2025 at 12:02 PM
theaccessproject.org.uk
🌼 On Remembrance Sunday, we pay our respects to those who sacrificed their lives in conflict. May we never forget those who gave everything for freedom and peace. #RemembranceDay
Two red poppies
November 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
We were delighted to be invited to dinner with our key partners at the Ironmongers' Company at the end of last month. Thank you to the Ironmongers' Company for your continued support - we're thrilled to be working together to tackle educational inequality.
Anna Searle (left), CEO at The Access Project, with Randall Boddy (right), Ironmongers' Company Aerial view of dinner in the Ironmongers' hall
November 7, 2025 at 8:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
This #TrusteesWeek, we would like to say a huge thank you to our dedicated Board of Trustees.

We’re honoured to be supported by each and every one of you. Thank you for helping to steer our mission and for making a difference to the lives of so many young people.

#CharityTrustees #SocialMobility
White text on a green background reads: Thank you for your leadership, insight, experience, skills, knowledge, support, and, most importantly, your time.
November 6, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
We were honoured to attend awards evening at St Thomas More Catholic School, one of our partner schools, last week.

Our director Miguel presented the Award for Outstanding Leadership to Julian-Conrad and Angela, two very deserving students who exemplify the school values. Congratulations, both! 👏
Miguel Herdade, Director at The Access Project (centre) with Julian-Conrad (right) and Angela (left). Group of St Thomas More Academy pupils and staff at their Awards Evening, October 2025
November 4, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
"Thanks to The Access Project, I'm now in one of the top sets for maths" 👏

Niamh is a year 11 pupil with The Access Project. Since joining our programme, she's improved her grades in maths and is now aiming high - to achieve excellent grades and eventually place at a top university.
Niamh, Year 11 pupil at The Access Project. Text reads: I was really scared of failing GCSE maths after I got a low grade in my mock exam. Thanks to The Access Project, I'm now in one of the top sets for maths in school and I'm aiming for higher grades than I ever thought of which is an incredible achievement that I'm so proud of.
November 3, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black communities. For us, this is about supporting the young Black people on our programmes to break down educational barriers and be the best that they can be – throughout their educational journeys.
October 31, 2025 at 12:12 PM
theaccessproject.org.uk
You could change a young person's life.

Volunteering as a skills coach is fun, flexible to your schedule, and easy to get started - with no experience required.

Visit our website or send us a DM to learn more 👀
Male volunteer working at laptop and wearing glasses. Text reads: Your leadership is needed. Now recruiting skills coaches for January 2026 start.
October 31, 2025 at 8:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Last week, the government launched the post-16 education and skills white paper - illustrating its plans to address the skills gap and ensure two thirds of young people take part in higher level learning.

Read our response 🔗 https://loom.ly/GfNYqcY

#HigherEducation #SocialMobility
We know from our past research that educational attainment is only one factor for our students when making decisions about their future. An identified skills gap, together with critical financial challenges, can significantly affect the ability of a young person from an under-resourced background to continue on their pathway to a top university, and ultimately achieve social mobility. We understand that maintenance loans will continue to go up with inflation every academic year, alongside the introduction of maintenance grants for priority subjects for those who need it most, and we hope that this news will have a positive impact on thousands of young people. The Government’s target is that two-thirds of young people aged 16-24 will take part in quality higher-level learning. This focus is welcomed, as it offers the potential to support larger numbers of young people to develop to the best of their abilities, irrespective of their socio-economic background. In addition, we have heard from many of our students how the complexities of the current system of post-16 options have made it difficult to navigate. We are hopeful that the proposed clear, flexible pathways into higher education, work or training will make it easier for those who do not have access to people in professional careers for guidance; again, a disadvantage often faced by those from under-resourced backgrounds. We remain optimistic about these reforms, and we look forward to seeing whether these changes will make the difference required to level the playing field and promote equal opportunities for all. Anna Searle, CEO at The Access Project
October 28, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
🚨 TODAY AT 12PM! 🚨

It's #NationalMentoringDay - and what better way to celebrate than to sign up as a coach with The Access Project?

Join our free info session to learn more about how you could become positive role model for a young person.

Sign up here 🔗 https://loom.ly/P480u1o
A man is wearing glasses, working at a laptop, and taking a sip from a mug. The Access Project logo is featured in the bottom left of the image. Text reads: Coffee & coaching. Free, informal virtual sessions for prospective volunteers. Sign up on Calendly. Monday 27 October, 12pm
October 27, 2025 at 9:30 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Are you a motivated fundraiser looking for your next career step?

We're #hiring for a Senior Fundraising Coordinator!

📍 Location - Remote
💷 Salary - £27,642 (plus £3,000 London weighting if applicable)
📃 Contract - Full time, permanent

Apply now 👉 https://loom.ly/JzEgkUQ

#CharityJobs

Student at The Access Project. Text reads: We're hiring! Senior Fundraising Coordinator. Remote (with some travel into London). Closing date 31 October.
October 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Young people like Subilo face significant barriers to higher education.

But we're fighting for change. With help from The Access Project, Subilo is now studying International Social Policty and Economics at LSE.

🗣️ "It was a good feeling arriving, I couldn’t believe I’d got here."
Subilo, a student at The Access Project. Text reads: Universiity could change my life... and you could help me get there.
October 23, 2025 at 8:01 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
Happy Diwali to all of our students, colleagues, and supporters celebrating the festival of lights! 🕯️✨
Diwali tealights. Text reads: Happy Diwali from everybody at The Access Project
October 21, 2025 at 7:07 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
We're #hiring! ✨

1 x Senior Fundraising Coordinator
1 x Fundraising Coordinator

📅 Closing date: 31 October
📍 Remote (with some travel into London)

Application links below 👇

#Fundraising
Female student at The Access Project. Text reads: We're hiring! 1 x Fundraising coordinator, 1 x Senior Fundraising Coordinator, remote (with some travel into London). Closing date 31 October
October 20, 2025 at 10:04 AM
theaccessproject.org.uk
This #WorldValuesDay, we're shining a spotlight on The Access Project's values: courage, empowerment, inclusion, ownership, and impact 💚

Our values are the beliefs that drive our mission to break barriers to education for under-resourced young people.

How does your workplace show its values? 🤔
World Values Day, 16 October. The Access Project logo
October 16, 2025 at 8:01 AM