Helping students to access leading universities
We are a headteacher-led charity that is committed to creating fair student access to top universities by collaborating with schools, universities, and wider partner organisations.
Despite non-selective state schools educating 93% of the UK's population just 30% of non-selective state school students progress to "top third" universities, compared to 60% of privately educated students. This leads to a bigger gap in longer term attainment, aspirations and achievement, further limiting social mobility.
Together, we identify challenges faced by schools and work with key partners to create a lasting change. Via our Elephant Access programme, we deliver targeted activities designed to support capable students into the universities and career paths that they deserve. Our model of cross-sector collaboration allows us to draw on a wide network, gathering resources, information and connections to help upskill school staff and help students to develop the skills and knowledge that they need to make an informed choice based on their aspirations.
Talent comes in all forms. Yet, many leading institutions and professions in the UK fail to reflect the diversity of today’s population. We work to increase student participation and help drive social mobility by ensuring that academically capable young people from non-selective state schools understand their potential to attend the UK’s top universities and have a fair opportunity to do so.
We believe that the most effective way to create lasting change is to work with relevant organisations and for them via collaboration and cocreation. By working together in this way, we can deliver impactful programmes designed to address the range of access challenges faced by young people from under-resourced backgrounds. Together, we can improve life opportunities for diverse talent across the UK by providing fair access to our leading institutions. If you would like to join us, we would love to hear from you.
Access information, resources and opportunities designed to nurture your top third of students to aspire to, and achieve access to, top third universities
Find out moreReach a diverse range of able students from low progression areas via links and partnerships with highly engaged schools and colleges through school visits, student conferences, and summer schools.
Find out moreReach a wider audience as you build your school and college network and optimise your widening access and participation activities.
Find out moreInvest in your future while working with us to help the next generation of diverse talent realise their full potential.
Find out moreAffectionately referred to as “the Herd”, our team of committed individuals strives to build meaningful relationships and provide teachers the support they need to get their most able students aspiring and applying to the best universities. We seek lasting change and are relentless in our mission to address the systemic inequalities that mean that some young people simply don’t have access to the same opportunities as their more privileged counterparts.
4,500
