Workshop
University-style tutorials led by expert PhD tutors, inspiring a love of learning and boosting student confidence and attainment.
Primary
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.
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
Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry 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 sayLog in to write a testimonialWe would love to read all about your time with this experience!
Secondary
STEM Ambassadors from a wide range of STEM-related jobs to help bring subjects to life!
Secondary
Interact with Network Rail employees and engage in a range of STEM-related activities linked to the rail industry.
Secondary
An engaging, practical way for teachers to deliver the fundamentals of electronics.
Secondary
Students learn hands-on how engineers think & work while developing their problem solving and teamworking skills.
Secondary
Learn to code a drone, overcome challenges, discover how engineers work and how you could use drones in the future!
Secondary
Design and build a chariot to attach to the Sphero and carry a Lego figure around our race track!
