The Centre for Research on Outreach and Access is a research initiative based in the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Lady Margaret Hall. Our work focuses on advancing rigorous, data-driven understanding of access to higher education, particularly at selective institutions like Oxford, and how outreach initiatives and financial support can shape the lives of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Combining the research expertise of Oxford’s economists with the practical experience of access practitioners at Lady Margaret Hall, the Centre evaluates which interventions are most effective, for whom, and under what conditions. From experimental studies of outreach programmes to large-scale data analysis of admissions and student outcomes, our work aims to inform both university-level policy and national debate.
We are committed to building a network of researchers, colleges, and policymakers to share knowledge, improve practice, and ultimately create a fairer and more inclusive higher education system.
