The Access Project is an innovative education charity that helps bright young people from disadvantaged backgrounds beat the odds and secure places at top universities. Our volunteers are trained and supported to be exceptional tutors who work with our students for an hour a week to raise their grades. In addition, a dedicated school-based staff member mentors the students so they have the knowledge and support to make strong university applications. Our results show this approach works. A young person who has participated in The Access Project’s programme is more than twice as likely to go to a top university than another student with the same academic track record and background.