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The Scholars Programme

University-style tutorials led by expert PhD tutors, inspiring a love of learning and boosting student confidence and attainment.

The Scholars Programme

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The Scholars Programme gives pupils from underrepresented backgrounds the chance to experience university-style tutorials, delivered by expert PhD tutors.

Over a series of 7 sessions spread over an academic term: Autumn, Spring, or Summer, students explore an exciting academic topic beyond the curriculum, culminating in a final assignment that mirrors university assessment. It’s a powerful way to stretch high-potential learners and raise aspirations. Their achievements are subsequently celebrated at a prestigious in-person graduation ceremony.

From climate change engineering to chemical engineering, the programme covers a wide range of subjects, helping students make connections between classroom learning and real-world careers. Tutors often share their own academic journeys, offering relatable role models and insight into pathways into higher education and STEM fields.

Teachers consistently report how transformative the experience is, not just for students, but for the wider school community. Pupils grow in confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and begin to see themselves as future university students. And the impact goes beyond aspiration, because HEAT data shows that students who did the programme in Years 7,8,9, or 10 were more likely to achieve a 9-5 in Maths and English than students within the same school who had similar middle prior attainment at KS2.

Cost

£2870

Capacity

Minimum 14 students per programme

Dates and location

The Scholars Programme runs across 3 terms:

Autumn term: October-March (sign up by September)
Spring term: January-May (sign up by November)
Summer term: March-July (sign up by January)

This programme is delivered in schools in selected cities across the country, including Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol and Manchester. Check if this experience is available in your area by inputting your school in our checker tool (yellow box above) or check in with the Brilliant Club team.

The Brilliant Club also offers an online version accessible from anywhere in the UK. See the digital experience listing.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Subjects and topics

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing
    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Maths
    • Physics
    • Agriculture and food
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemical engineering
    • Design, art and fashion
    • Electronics, robotics and programming
    • Energy and environment
    • Entertainment, sound and lighting
    • General engineering
    • Humanitarian aid
    • Materials, products and manufacturing
    • Mechanical engineering, systems and processes
    • Medicine and healthcare
    • Space and aerospace engineering
    • Sport and fitness
    • Structures, construction and civil engineering
    • Transport

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

  • Addressing the needs of each pupil
  • Encounters with further and higher education

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Listening - Receiving, retaining and processing information

  • Speaking - Transmitting information or ideas

What the teachers say

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  • Cost applies

Careers resources