The Scholars Programme 25-26

The Scholars Programme is now open for 2025-26.

Overview

The Scholars Programme gives students from non-selective state schools and FE colleges across the UK the opportunity to work with a PhD researcher.

It helps students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive at every stage of their education and ultimately see that university can be a place for them.

At all key stages, the programme gives students the opportunity to work with a PhD researcher on a university-style course, write an assignment based on the topic they’ve been learning about and attend a full day graduation event at one of our partner universities.

Primary

At KS2, the programme develops pupils’ written and verbal communication skills, improves their confidence and opens their eyes to the idea of university. The programme is for mid to high prior attaining Year 5 and 6 pupils and so ideal for supporting their transition to secondary school.

You can watch the programme in action at a primary school in Luton

Secondary

At secondary level, our most recent HEAT data (March 2025) shows that students who complete the programme in Years 7-10 are more likely to achieve a 9-5 in maths and English than students with the same middle prior attainment at KS2.

You can hear about the programme from the perspective of a headteacher

Find out more

Spaces are now available for Autumn term 2025: Make an enquiry

Email: tspschools@thebrilliantclub.org

Website: Programme Overview - Schools - The Brilliant Club