Kent Academies Network (KAN)
KAN aims to remove barriers to higher education by developing pupils’ confidence, knowledge, and agency so that they can set ambitious goals, and ultimately reach them.
overview
KAN is a four–year university access programme that is open to eligible students in Years 9 to 13 at Knole Academy, the John Wallis Academy, Skinners’ Kent Academy, Leigh Academy Minster and the Marsh Academy. Our Core programme has been running since 2013 and Aspire since 2021. The Aspire programme entails two meet-up days, termly online mentoring, access to a university mentor, and a summer research project. In addition, students on the Core programme attend two residential events per year, in the spring and summer terms.
Read the latest Impact Report
We publish an annual report summarising progress and outcomes of the year. For past reports and other Service and Partnerships publications, please visit our publications archive here.
Upcoming Events
| 26 January | Meet-up day |
| 26 February | Online mentoring |
| 1-3 April | Core residential |
| 14 May | Online mentoring |
| 29 June-2 July | Core residential |
Supporters of KAN
Friends of the programme, alumni, and staff and teachers from the academies and Sevenoaks School volunteer their time and expertise.
The following organisations, and those that wish to remain anonymous, support and have supported the funding of the KAN university access programme.
- Accelerate and Access Foundation
- Buffini Chao Foundation
- Fitzwilliam College
- Queens’ College, University of Cambridge
- Sevenoaks School Foundation
Buffini-Chao fund, how do i apply?
With the generosity of the Buffini-Chao foundation we are able to offer discretionary grants to current students and mentors.
Applicants must write a letter of request to KANUAP@sevenoaksschool.org and complete this form.
“Coming from a state school background, I understand how daunting it can feel to navigate the path towards university. I didn’t have many connections or mentors growing up, so I had to figure a lot out on my own. That experience is what drives my passion for mentoring secondary school students today — to make sure they have the support and guidance I once needed.”
Vruti, KAN mentor
Make a donation to support KAN.
We invite anyone who shares our commitment to improving access to university, to support the access programme with a philanthropic donation. Your generosity will make all the difference to the educational achievements and aspirations of Kent’s young people.
