Chief Executive Officer
The Access Project makes a lasting impact on the lives of young people by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for a brighter future. The Access Project works to reduce the educational barriers students face, helping them to pursue a career in their chosen field and follow their dreams.
With 15 years of experience, The Access Project’s independent analysis shows their students perform better than their peers academically and are twice as likely to get into a top university as comparable students who have not had their support.
We were looking for an inspirational leader to grow The Access Project’s reach and impact by significantly increasing the number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds that they support. The new CEO would work closely with the Board, senior leadership team and wider staff team, as well as a variety of stakeholders to lead the development of new approaches to expand their impact.
We undertook a head-hunt of senior leaders with experience of growth in the social mobility, youth, education and higher education spaces, as well as utilising our extensive database and contacts in these areas.
Anna Searle was successfully appointed to the CEO post. Previously, Anna was Executive Director at the Education Development Trust, where she led and delivered high impact education and employability initiatives, as well as managing strategic partnerships. Anna brings a wealth of experience in leading education development and social mobility programmes in the UK, and globally. She also brings experience as a Trustee for an international education charity where she has led on a five year strategic review.