The Elephant Access Programme

Top Third to the Top Third

"Competitive universities feel within reach... Students are more confident, better informed and more ambitious than before."

The Elephant Access Programme is The Elephant Group's flagship school programme. Designed to sit across Years 12 and 13, it provides the students, teachers and parents at non-selective state schools with the tools, information and opportunities they need to aspire to, and successfully apply to, a top-third university.

Working with a national network of schools, universities, employers and charities, we deliver in-school visits, regional events, summer academies and tailored support that supports aspirations, attainment and application to competitive degree courses and universities

2024/25 UCAS data on Elephant Access student applications to top third universities shows that:

74%

Of Elephant Access Students applied to a competitive university, of which:

90%

received an offer, and:

60%

of those offers were accepted, meaning:

41%

of our Year 13 students were placed at a top third university.

WHO IS ELEPHANT ACCESS FOR?

We work with academically capable students from non-selective state schools. These students have the potential to succeed at competitive universities and degree courses, but may need additional support, connections, information and guidance to get there.

We recommend selecting students who:

  • Have at least 3–4 GCSEs at grade 6 and above (or are expected to achieve BBB / 120 UCAS points at A Level)
  • Are not already receiving equivalent programme support (e.g. K+, Sutton Trust)
  • May meet widening participation criteria (FSM, PP, low participation postcodes, care experienced, first in generation)
  • May be facing additional barriers such as disability or adverse childhood experience.

We trust teachers to know their students. If you believe a student has the potential and would benefit from understanding the pathways to a top university, please use your judgement.

Arrange a call

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Elephant Access schools benefit from a fully managed, evidence-based programme:

  • Termly school visits tailored to your cohort (assemblies, parent evenings, Oxbridge preparation and more)
  • University day trips and summer academies at top-third universities
  • Webinar series covering personal statements, interview preparation, results day and more
  • Specialist Support Streams: Oxbridge, Medicine, and more
  • Work experience and volunteer engagement with corporate partners
  • Teacher CPD and reference-writing workshops
  • Access to My Super Curricular, Medic Mentor and other partner resources
  • National network of schools, universities and employers
  • One-to-one interview support through classroom visits and mock interviews.

Specialist Support Streams

Launched in 2023 in direct response to partner school feedback, our Specialist Support Streams provide additional guidance and tailored opportunities for students with specific aspirations or needs. These run alongside the core programme.

What our partner schools and colleges say about us

“For a long time, we’ve been concerned at the under representation of students from more disadvantaged backgrounds and this issue seems to have worsened since the pandemic. We were drawn to the work of The Elephant Group who hold similar values to our own, with a passion and commitment to increasing social mobility. Our Year 12 students joined the programme this September and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities provided to them so far. The workshops have increased their confidence and boosted their sense of aspiration. In addition, the staff involved in the programme have enjoyed working with like minded schools in a network that is giving them an insight into university admissions that will ultimately benefit our students.”

Phil Latham

Headteacher, Macmillan Academy

"Participating in The Elephant Group has been a life-changing experience… its comprehensive support structure, from application guidance to academic enrichment, made my university journey not only possible but deeply fulfilling."

Kainat Khan

Elephant Access Student, Shireland Collegiate Academy

"By providing opportunities for students to engage with professionals and attend university visits, we have seen a marked increase in the number of students aspiring to attend Russell Group universities."

Head of Sixth Form

Elephant Access partner school

"Over two years, The Elephant Group's partnership… has become a strategic asset embedded across multiple schools, raising aspirations across sixth forms and delivering measurable improvements in outcomes at the most competitive universities."

Ellis Bolle

Future Academies Trust

"Competitive universities feel within reach… Students are more confident, better informed and more ambitious than before."

Teacher

Bobby Moore Academy

FIND YOUR WAY IN:

Whether you're a school, university, industry partner or funder, there's a role for you in the Elephant Access community.

FOR SCHOOLS

Get in touch to find out about joining the programme

Log in to the Teachers' Portal

FOR UNIVERSITIES

Get in touch to discuss university partnership

FOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Get in touch to discuss partnership options and social value