Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 1d

Is your child starting The Scholars Programme in October?

Sign up for one of our Parent/Carer Launch events, where you can learn more about The Scholars Programme and hear some handy top tips about how you can support your child throughout the programme: https://bit.ly/4o2jGl6

Parent/Carer Launch Events. For parents and carers of children starting The Scholars Programme. From The Brilliant Club.

Reposted by The Brilliant Club

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 8d

State schools teacher Adrian De Souza and his daughter Grace are running the Royal Parks Half Marathon to help ensure every young person can achieve their potential in higher education, no matter their background.

Donate to our runners here: https://linktr.ee/thebrilliantclub

1 1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 2d

UniPrep Webinar 2: University Application

Year 13 students can attend this webinar to find out about student finance, bursaries and scholarships, and writing a personal statement.

Sign up (for free) to Join the Dots so your students can register: https://thebrilliantclub.org/join-the-dots/

UniPrep Webinar: University Application. Thursday 23rd October, 4:30pm - 5:30pm. For Year 13 students.

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 8d

State schools teacher Adrian De Souza and his daughter Grace are running the Royal Parks Half Marathon to help ensure every young person can achieve their potential in higher education, no matter their background.

Donate to our runners here: https://linktr.ee/thebrilliantclub

1 1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 9d

"I had a great time learning about things I normally wouldn't in school. It opens so many doors for me in the future." 🚪🔑

Over 1,200 pupils in Coventry & Warwickshire have taken part in The Scholars Programme: https://bit.ly/3tPlj9D

The Scholars Programme in Coventry and Warwickshire.

We’ve worked with over 1,200 pupils across Coventry and Warwickshire, with 59 PhD tutors delivering courses. Scholars Programme graduates have made progress in critical thinking (28%), subject knowledge (26%), and written communication (24%).

“The Scholars Programme inspires development in children's abilities across the board (such as writing and knowledge of the wider world). Scholars’ workbooks are really clear for the children and the Virtual Learning Environment is really easy for them to manoeuvre.” - Teacher, Park Lane Primary School

“I really enjoyed writing my essay, since I like extended writing pieces, and the tutorials were really fun, especially the debates with my peers.” Student, Grace Academy Coventry

“I had a great time learning about things I normally wouldn't in school, and it opens so many doors for me in the future.” Student, Nuneaton Academy

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 10d

Our student ambassador, Maheea Gazi, explains how taking part in The Scholars Programme inspired her to study Pharmacy at @UCL.

Read her story on our website: https://bit.ly/46QLBic

"At first, I found the reading challenging and writing a university-style essay seemed quite daunting, but my PhD tutor was really supportive. She was kind of like an elder sister because a lot of us were the oldest in our families and were the first to go to university." Maheea Gazi, Brilliant Club ambassador, Studying Pharmacy at UCL.

2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 11d

Computer Science Scholars is an exciting new project we're launching with The Hg Foundation to support over 500 female and non-binary sixth form students to pursue Computer Science degrees between 2025-2028!

Places are limited, learn more and register your school's interest: https://bit.ly/468s8Iy

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 14d

Meet Grace and Adrian, a father-daughter duo running royalparkshalf.bsky.social for us in October!

Adrian has spent 30+ years teaching in state schools. Grace is one of our tutors. Together, they’re fighting educational inequality.

Support them here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/grace-de-souza

Adrian and Grace de Souza smiling for a photograph in running gear.

2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 15d

Are your Year 13 students ready to make good uni choices?

In this webinar, they'll learn more about how to choose their five courses and universities in their UCAS application.

Sign up (for free!) to Join the Dots programme so your students can register: https://t.co/k7alBv4kPW

UniPrep webinar: Making Good Uni
Choices. Tuesday 30th September, 4:30pm - 5:30pm. For Year 13 students.

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 16d

Today is International Birmingham Day! 🥳

Over 3,000 Birmingham pupils have taken part in The Scholars Programme, where students from non-selective state schools and colleges can work with a PhD researcher.

To discuss the programme for your school, enquire here: https://bit.ly/3tPlj9D

The Scholars Programme in Birmingham.

We’ve worked with over 3,000 pupils across Birmingham. DfE progression data shows that the overall progression rate to HE in the region is 51%, but 67% of students completing The Scholars Programme between 2016 and 2022 progressed to HE, according to HESA.

"Students have developed skills that can be used to support their studies. The programme improves the aspirations of students wanting to go on to higher education.” - Teacher from Moseley School and Sixth Form

“Amazing and rewarding programme that pushes you beyond your usual learning styles.” - Student from Bordesley Green Girls' School & Sixth Form

“It was challenging at first but became more understandable the more we went through the course. In the end, I am proud of what we have achieved.” - Student from Selly Park Girls’ School

Interested in exploring The Scholars Programme for your school? Get in touch with emily.raisin@thebrilliantclub.org to set up a call

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 17d

Teacher Information Webinar: The Scholars Programme

This session provides a programme overview and Q&A opportunity for teachers who are interested in finding out more about The Scholars Programme in 2025-26!

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/LwCZAWNTRS6y5FgbEMKKuw

Webinar for teachers: The Scholars Programme Q&A Session. Wednesday 24th September, 4pm. For schools, colleges, UTCs

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 17d

The benefits of having The Scholars Programme in your school goes beyond the students you pick for the programme. There are benefits for you, your students, and your community.

To learn more about how our programme can help students thrive, enquire here: https://bit.ly/3Sq2t7J

2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 18d

If you'd like to help our mission, check out support options here: thebrilliantclub.org/support-us/

Schools interested in providing The Scholars Programme for their students can enquire here: thebrilliantclub.org/the-scholars...

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 18d

1 year ago today, we aired our Radio 4 Appeal to help create a fairer society where no child’s education is limited by their background.

Comedian and podcaster John Robins talked about Hoa, a student whose teacher enrolled him on The Scholars Programme: https://t.co/QFUG58Ztbp

Comedian and podcaster John Robins in the studio at a microphone with headphones on, and with a Brilliant Club branded mug.

1 1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 21d

Are your Year 13 students ready to make good uni choices?

In this webinar, they'll learn more about how to choose their five courses and universities in their UCAS application.

Sign up (for free!) to Join the Dots programme so your students can register: https://thebrilliantclub.org/join-the-dots/

2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 22d

Meet Meg, one of our runners for royalparkshalf.bsky.social! When she's not supporting animal welfare, Meg's raising funds to support students from less advantaged backgrounds to access the most competitive universities.

Support Meg here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/meg-runsforbrilliantclub

Meg Ruddick, a young white woman wearing sunglasses, poses for a photograph with a black dog.

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 23d

We love partnering with Bedfordshire schools! Our PhD tutors have delivered The Scholars Programme to over 1,700 pupils, with programme graduates making progress in areas including critical thinking and written communication.

Enquire about The Scholars Programme here: https://bit.ly/3tPlj9D

Programme 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 and confidence to thrive in education and ultimately see that university can be a place for them.

We’ve worked with over 1,700 pupils across the Bedfordshire region, with 57 tutors delivering courses. Scholars Programme graduates have made progress in critical thinking (37%), subject knowledge (34%), and written communication (32%).

“Whilst having to write a university-level essay was challenging, I believe I have improved in being able to do so and being able to research topics I previously did not have any knowledge in.” - Student from Putteridge High School, Luton

Interested in exploring The Scholars Programme for your school? Get in touch with hannah.bekkers@thebrilliantclub.org to set up a call.

2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 24d

Taking part in The Scholars Programme helped Abigail pursue higher education:

“I went to school in Rhondda Cynon Taff, in the Welsh valleys. It was very small [...] and not many students went on to higher education..."

Read her story here: https://bit.ly/3Vu8Tny

"It wasn’t like anything I’d learned or done before, so it was great! The Scholars Programme helped me to realise that, at university, you can choose to only learn about the specific topics that interest you, which helped me because I just wanted to study something that I knew I loved." - Abigail Stinton, Brilliant Club ambassador, studying Cardiac Physiology at the University of Leeds.

1

Reposted by The Brilliant Club

Victoria Nunn @viva-victoria.bsky.social · 27d

Excited to complete @brilliantclub.bsky.social tutor training today ahead of my KS2 placement delivering a Statistics course

Teaching has been central to my journey from PGCE & MA in Education to my current roles in research, evaluation & my PhD at @northumbriauni.bsky.social

1 1 2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 25d

The Great British Beach Clean is on 19th - 28th, bringing coastal communities together! 🌊

Similarly, we partner with coastal schools, whose students often face extra barriers to higher education due to geographical isolation.

Check out The Scholars Programme: https://bit.ly/3tPlj9D

"I enjoyed the whole programme as it allowed me to develop academic writing skills, especially referencing. It also gave me transferable skills, which will be beneficial in the future in university." - Student from St Wilfrid's RC College, South Shields

2My tutor explained everything very well, which made things fun and easier to understand. This was a great experience." - Student from Trelowith Community Primary School, Cornwall

"My time on The Scholars Programme was difficult at points, but I found it to be a rewarding experience that I would not have gained otherwise." - Student from East Coast College, Lowestoft

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 28d

Meet Grace and Adrian, a father-daughter duo running royalparkshalf.bsky.social for us in October!

Adrian has spent 30+ years teaching in state schools. Grace is one of our tutors. Together, they’re fighting educational inequality.

Support them here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/grace-de-souza

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · 29d

Meet Olivia Garro, a dedicated Scholars Programme tutor, and now first-time half-marathon runner!

Olivia has seen first-hand how university-style learning inspires young minds.

Support her royalparkshalf.bsky.social run: https://www.justgiving.com/page/olivia-brilliantclub-halfmarathon

Olivia's fundraiser for The Brilliant Club

Help Olivia Garro raise money to support The Brilliant Club

www.justgiving.com

1

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · Sep 10

The benefits of having The Scholars Programme in your school goes beyond the students you pick for the programme. There are benefits for you, your students, and your community.

To learn more about how our programme can help students thrive, enquire here: https://bit.ly/3Sq2t7J

2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · Sep 9

Student ambassador, Stallan explains how our programme helped him pursue a degree:‬

“I was on The Scholars Programme because I’m from a disadvantaged neighbourhood where university attendance is incredibly low..."

Read more: https://thebrilliantclub.org/news/the-scholars-programme-stallans-story/

"My PhD tutor was so passionate about her subject and that was amazing to experience. Practising essay-writing at university level - learning what reviewers are looking for, and referencing etc - was really useful for when I got to university." - Stallan Da Silva, Brilliant Club ambassador, Studying Sociology at the University of Bristol

2

The Brilliant Club @brilliantclub.bsky.social · Sep 8

Happy International Literacy Day! Here are some Scholars Programme courses our tutors have delivered related to literacy:

📖 Digital Literacy: Unravelling the Secrets of the Digital Realm
📖 Why Should We Read Refugee Stories?
📖 Copyright or Copywrong: Human and AI Authorship

Two students writing in their Scholars Programme handbook. Text reads: International Literacy Day 2025.

2