Hillcroft College in Surbiton has been helping women change their lives through learning since the 1920s, and this Lottery Funding will allow the Hillcroft Outreach Project to expand its unique work in providing funded residential learning to women on low incomes who have not had higher education opportunities. Stacey Morgan, head of the development unit at Hillcroft College, said: “To say that we are delighted to be the recipient of this lottery award would be an understatement.

“To put this into context, this grant will allow us over the next three years to reach out and focus on key groups, organisations and individuals who have not had the chance to improve their opportunities through education. Hillcroft Educational Charity and National Residential College for Women is uniquely placed to ensure that every penny will deliver an opportunity to make that first life changing and empowering step into a new future, which will enable women from all walks of life to realise their potential.”