The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme

Advanced Academic Opportunity for Year 9 Students

The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme, run during each Autumn Term for Year 9 students, is a challenging and exciting course that offers a genuine taste of what studying at university is really like. It is designed to stretch and inspire students who are ready to take their learning beyond the classroom.

During the programme, students are taught by a PhD researcher and take part in small group tutorials, where they explore complex ideas through discussion, questioning, and debate. Alongside this, they complete independent study and work towards a final assignment; mirroring the experience of university students and helping them develop confidence in their own thinking.

The programme is aimed at students with exceptional academic potential who are keen to engage with scholarship beyond the school curriculum. It provides a rare opportunity to experience the depth, pace, and intellectual challenge of university-level study at an early stage, while building valuable skills in critical thinking, academic writing, and independent learning.

In line with its mission, The Brilliant Club prioritises students from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in higher education.

The Programme

Students take part in a seven-session tutorial course taught by a Doctoral Researcher (PhD tutor) from a leading UK university. The course is based on real academic research and gives you a taste of how subjects are studied at university.

During the programme, students will:

• Explore a specialist subject you wouldn’t usually study at Key Stage 3
• Take part in thoughtful discussions, debates, and analysis
• Build your skills in independent reading, critical thinking, and academic writing
• Complete two formal assignments, including a final essay marked using university-style criteria
• Attend a formal graduation event at a Russell Group university to celebrate your achievement

This programme is designed to challenge, think deeply, ask questions, and develop confidence.

Commitment and Expectations

The Scholars Programme is rigorous and demanding. Students must be prepared to meet high expectations and to approach the course with seriousness and discipline. Participants are expected to:

• Attend all tutorials and contribute thoughtfully to scholarly discussion
• Complete extensive independent reading and research between sessions
• Submit work punctually and to a high academic standard
• Engage with detailed, formative feedback provided by their PhD tutor

This programme is best suited to students who relish academic challenge and are motivated to extend their thinking well beyond the classroom.

Eligibilty and Selection

Places on the programme are limited and are therefore awarded through a competitive, school-led selection process.
Students are nominated based on:

• Clear evidence of high academic ability and potential
• Intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to learning
• The ability to thrive in an academically demanding environment

Because demand is high and places are limited, not all eligible students will be able to take part in this round. In line with its mission, The Brilliant Club also prioritises students from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in higher education, helping to widen access to university-level learning opportunities.

How to Apply

During the summer term of Year 8, students will be invited to express their interest in the programme via a Google Form application (sent to families).

Using students’ progress report data, the school will carry out an initial shortlisting process to identify those demonstrating strong academic potential. Further consideration will then be given to the submitted applications, alongside The Brilliant Club’s mission to widen participation and support students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education.

To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, shortlisted students will then be entered into a random allocation process, from which final places on the programme will be confirmed.