Access Accountancy is our virtual work experience programme, designed to provide students and pupils from lower socio-economic backgrounds with insight into the world of accountancy and professional services.

The programme has been developed in alignment with the organisation Access Accountancy, a collaboration of more than 25 organisations and professional bodies across the sector that aims to make the accountancy profession more representative of our wider society.

The programme will run for three days between 16 and 18 February, 2026 and is held remotely to improve accessibility.

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Why Access Accountancy?

Access Accountancy is a programme specifically designed for students and pupils from lower socio-economic backgrounds who are interested in a career in the accounting profession. We understand that access to work experience opportunities can be challenging for individuals from these backgrounds, and we want to address that. That’s why this work experience programme is only open to individuals who meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are or have been eligible for free school meals.
  • You attend a school that is above the regional average in terms of the number of students eligible for free school meals.
  • You would be the first member of your immediate family to attend university.

96% of 2025’s participants would recommend the programme to other students, with 90% also stating they felt a positive change in their preparedness for the world of work after completing the programme.

By holding the work experience virtually, this means the programme can be accessed by anyone across the UK in both urban and rural environments.

The programme is open to year 12 to 13 and secondary five to six students who attend non-selective state schools and meet one of the above criteria. You must also be available for all three days of the programme.

What to expect on the programme

As well as meeting likeminded peers and inspirational leaders at Grant Thornton, you can expect to receive:

  • Pre- and post-programme support
  • Interactive insight into accountancy and building a career in professional services
  • Business skills development (teamwork, communication, confidence, networking and presentation skills)
  • Employability skills and careers advice.

How to apply

Applications will be open at the start of November 2026.

If you want to be the first to be notified of when these open, please complete the simple expression of interest form.

Access Accountancy not right for you?

If you’re interested in work experience, placements or traineeships with us but don’t meet the eligibility criteria above, we have a variety of other programmes that might be suitable.
Work experience
Apprenticeships
Interns and placements
Insight days
Graduate programmes