The Scholars Programme (online)
Online university-style tutorials led by expert PhD tutors, inspiring a love of learning and boosting student confidence and attainment.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
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. This culminates 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! HEAT data shows that students who participated in the programme in years 7, 8, 9, or 10 were more likely to achieve grades 9-5 in Maths and English. This was compared with students from the same schools who had similar middle prior attainment at KS2.
Cost
£2828
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 online and is accessible from anywhere in the UK. The Brilliant Club also offers an in-person version in selected schools across the country. To find out if your school is eligible for the in-person experience, please check the in-person experience listing.
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Curriculum links
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- England primary science curriculum: Animals, including humans
- England primary science curriculum: Living things and their habitats
- England primary science curriculum: Earth and space
- Scotland primary science curriculum: Sciences
- Northern Ireland primary science curriculum: Science and technology
- Wales primary science curriculum : The world around us
- Biology: Structure and function of living organisms
- Biology: Genetics and evolution
- Engineering
- Chemistry: Materials
- Physics
- Physics: Waves
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Biology
- Physics: Motion and forces
- Physics: Matter
- Sciences - Planet earth: Biodiversity and interdependence
- Sciences - Biological systems: Inheritance
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Sciences - Materials
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Vibrations and waves
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Forces
- Biology: Evolution
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Chemistry: Use of materials
- Physics: Electricity
- Physics: Forces
- Chemistry: Material properties
- Sciences - Organisms and health: Interdependence of plants and animals
- Sciences - Organisms and health: Cells, genes and reproduction
- Technology & design - Manufacturing
- Sciences - Chemical and material behaviour: Structures, properties, uses of materials
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Sound and light
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Sciences - Earth and universe
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Forces and energy transfer
- Sciences - Chemical and material behaviour
- Technology & design - Design
- Technology & design - Control
- Group size
- Small groups
- Participation level
- Watching or listening, Independent work
- Duration
- Multi-session - set days
- Cost
- Cost applies
- Location
- Online
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
EqualEx
- Investigate and Explore
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:
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Enrichment framework
- 6 - An enrichment offer that works in partnership
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
