Four of our most recent Scholars Programme graduation events were made extra special with visits from mayors in Bristol, London, Leeds, and Oxford.
Over 3,000 students from 231 schools and colleges attended graduations across 34 of our partner higher education institutions this February and March, getting the opportunity to learn more about life at university.
The events celebrate pupils who have successfully completed The Scholars Programme, where PhD researchers deliver university-style tutorials to small groups of pupils aged 8-18.
Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley, delivered an inspiring speech to graduating students in Oxford Town Hall. He said:
“Students from the least advantaged backgrounds have only 1/14th of the chance those from the most advantaged backgrounds have of going to the most competitive universities. This is both a great injustice and a terrible waste.
“I was the first person in my family to go to university, and I didn’t get there on my own. A supportive family and teachers and a lot of effort landed me in Oxford, which I’ve never left and where I’m now Lord Mayor.”
Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung (second left) with representatives from The Brilliant Club and the University of Leeds’ Contextual Outreach Team
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, who is the first African Lord Mayor of Leeds, said to students attending a graduation trip at the University of Leeds:
“You can be anything you want to be when you put the effort into it. Your teachers, your tutors and your parents are here to help you.
“Be grateful, be happy, work hard, play hard. Determination and hard work will be the key to your success.”
Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Andrew Varney, spoke about being the first member of his immediate family to go to university, getting a degree in Geographical Sciences from the University of Plymouth and then a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from Oxford University.
He told graduating students at the University of Bristol:
“However humble your background, whatever doubts you may have, with the right friends and right teachers offering you support and guidance, you can all achieve great things.
“Don’t let anyone, including yourselves, hold you back. Educational success is for you. The best universities are for you. Aim high.”
Lord Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor John-Paul Ennis, said to students graduating at King’s College London:
Lord Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor John-Paul Ennis, speaking to students at Kings College London
“When I first learned about this programme, I was shocked – I thought, how is this possible? This is such a massive achievement, to be able to do a university level course in school.
“Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are not good enough and that you don’t belong somewhere – the very fact that you did this programme shows that you can do anything.
“If I can be the youngest mayor in London as a first-generation student, then you can truly do whatever you want.”
The Scholars Programme gives less advantaged students in non-selective state schools across the UK the opportunity to build the knowledge, skills and confidence to apply for the most competitive universities.
Recent research shows a positive link between The Scholars Programme and GCSE attainment, as well as applications for and progression to competitive universities.
The Scholars Programme is now open for 2025/26! PhD tutors deliver university-style learning in schools and colleges across the UK for students aged 8-18. Secure your school’s spot by making a quick enquiry here.