United Access Program

The United Access Programme currently involves 18 students from 6 United Learning academies. They are carefully selected on the basis that they are showing promising prior attainment up to Year 9 and would benefit from additional support to their academic progress.

The partnership is a unique collaboration linking United Learning (MAT), Caterham School and a number of other independent schools including Woldingham, and Universities and Colleges such as Fitzwilliam College Cambridge in support. The programme is from a template devised and supported by the Accelerate and Access Foundation, whereby the pupils attend a series of weeklong residentials at the participating independent schools or Fitz, twice a year with additional meet up days from the end of Year 9 to year 13. The residentials aim to promote engagement with learning and broaden horizons alongside practical advice and support on academic progress and University applications – they serve both an academic and aspirational end. The participating pupils are supported by a team of five undergraduate mentors who are an invaluable resource throughout.

The Programme is underpinned by attitudinal and statistical evaluation, tracking progress against control groups. The depth of relationships, and the progress shown has made the whole experience thoroughly rewarding, with many teachers donating their time to contribute.

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