Talent, not circumstance, should decide a child’s future
A structured partnership between Atom Learning, grammar and independent schools, and their local state primaries — helping more pupils from under-resourced backgrounds prepare for entrance exams, build confidence in Key Stage 2 learning and, where relevant, access transformational bursaries.
Partnering with 97 UK grammar schools and a growing number of leading independent schools.
About the programme
A partnership programme, designed around you
The Widening Access and Outreach Support Programme is school-led. Atom provides the platform, content and materials; schools bring the pupils, teaching and community knowledge. Programmes run over several months and blend in-school sessions with structured learning at home.
Shape the programme together
We start with a conversation to understand your outreach goals, your existing relationships with local primaries and the pupils you want to reach.
From there, we co-design a tailored plan that works for your school, your community and your objectives.
From there, we co-design a tailored plan that works for your school, your community and your objectives.
Run it in school and at home
Pupils attend regular sessions at partner schools, working through a mix of academic and enrichment activities.
Between sessions, they continue on Atom Home, with teachers and mentors setting work, tracking progress and identifying where pupils may need extra support.
Between sessions, they continue on Atom Home, with teachers and mentors setting work, tracking progress and identifying where pupils may need extra support.
Support parents through to application
A dedicated parent support strand runs alongside the pupil programme. We deliver parent talks and Q&A sessions at your school so families feel confident using Atom Home and getting the most out of the support.
Where relevant, schools may also run sessions on the application process — from registering for the entrance exam to understanding bursary applications.
Where relevant, schools may also run sessions on the application process — from registering for the entrance exam to understanding bursary applications.
Why widening access matters
Opening doors through fairer access
Selective schools — independent and grammar — can be life-shaping places. But for too many families, the route to them feels closed before it has even been considered.
Most 11+ preparation still happens through intensive coaching and private tuition, creating an uneven playing field where children from higher-income households often start earlier, prepare more intensively and receive more support.
Over time, that gap becomes a divide. We believe every child deserves the chance to show what they are capable of — and that schools, families and partners like Atom can open that door together.
Most 11+ preparation still happens through intensive coaching and private tuition, creating an uneven playing field where children from higher-income households often start earlier, prepare more intensively and receive more support.
Over time, that gap becomes a divide. We believe every child deserves the chance to show what they are capable of — and that schools, families and partners like Atom can open that door together.
15,000+
Free Atom Home accounts provided to Pupil Premium pupils since 2024.
50%+
Of UK grammar schools are now partnering on outreach initiatives.
350,000+
Families trust Atom for KS2 and entrance exam preparation.
What the programme includes
Everything you need to run a programme that works
A complete package of platform access, teacher tools, parent engagement and programme materials — all delivered as part of the partnership.
Atom Home access
Unlimited access to adaptive questions in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, with video tutorials, mock tests and interactive challenges.
Free for Pupil Premium pupils, with a partnership discount available for non-Pupil Premium students.
Free for Pupil Premium pupils, with a partnership discount available for non-Pupil Premium students.
Teacher and mentor tools
Teachers and mentors can set work, track progress and step in where pupils need support — creating continuity between sessions at school and learning at home.
Parent support programme
A dedicated parent talk and Q&A session delivered at your school, covering how Atom Home works and how parents can support learning at home.
This helps families feel informed, confident and able to get the most out of the support available.
This helps families feel informed, confident and able to get the most out of the support available.
Application support
Schools typically run their own information sessions to support families with the application process.
For grammar schools, this may focus on registering for the entrance exam. For independent schools, it may include bursary application guidance.Where helpful, we can support with materials and signposting so the process feels clearer and more achievable for families
For grammar schools, this may focus on registering for the entrance exam. For independent schools, it may include bursary application guidance.Where helpful, we can support with materials and signposting so the process feels clearer and more achievable for families
Marketing and design support
Our team can design brochures, flyers, parent letters and supporting materials for your programme — included as part of the partnership.
Dedicated partnership lead
A named contact at Atom who supports your programme from start to finish, helping with your needs and answering questions throughout.
Parnerships already opening doors
Schools across the UK are working with Atom to widen access, support local families and help more pupils prepare with confidence.
What schools are saying
Impact and outcomes
Real access. Real progress. Real confidence.
Attainment is only one measure of success. We also focus on the confidence, familiarity and engagement that make a genuine difference to children and families.
Confidence
Pupils and parents feel more at home in environments that previously felt out of reach.
Familiarity
Families gain a clearer understanding of selective school facilities, bursary processes and what an application actually involves.
Engagement
High, consistent use of Atom Home at home — driven by parents and pupils, not just schools.
Fairness
More applications reaching selection panels based on ability, not access to tutoring.
“
At Atom, our mission is to make exceptional education accessible to all, and we are deeply invested in partnerships like these to bring our learning content and technology to even more families. We firmly believe our platform empowers children not only to excel in exams, but also to build lasting confidence and pave their path to success throughout Key Stage 3 and beyond.”
Flo Simpson
Chief Operating Officer, Atom Learning
Chief Operating Officer, Atom Learning
Who we support
Schools
Grammar and independent schools with active or emerging outreach programmes — and their local state primaries.
Whether you’re starting something new or building on established work, we’ll tailor the programme to your goals.
Pupils
KS2 pupils from state primary schools who would benefit from structured preparation for 11+ exams, or broader KS2 support.
This includes pupils who, due to their circumstances, may never have considered applying for a selective school.
Pupil Premium pupils in KS2 receive full, free access to Atom Home.
Parents and carers
Families who may be eligible for bursaries, or families with bright children who, due to their circumstances, may never have considered grammar or selective schools, because they do not have access to paid tutoring.
We run parent talks and Q&A sessions, so families understand the platform and feel confident supporting learning at home.
How to get involved
Explore a partnership with Atom
Whether you’re building on an existing programme or starting something new, the first step is a conversation.
From there, we’ll put together a tailored plan for your school.
From there, we’ll put together a tailored plan for your school.