In the UK today, how and where a young person grows up – what part of the country they live in, or the qualifications, jobs and income of their parents – has consequences. These factors are out of the control of young people, yet they have a huge influence on their chances of educational success and life opportunities, including access to higher education.
The number of children eligible for free school meals has increased by 40% since 2020, with 1 in 4 pupils in England now eligible. Attainment for the most disadvantaged students is falling further behind and is now on average 18.8 months behind their more advantaged peers by the time they take their GCSEs – a key barrier to progression to university and social mobility.
In the UK today, just 2 in 100 of the most disadvantaged students progress to the most competitive universities, compared to 28 in 100 of the most advantaged.
And we know that disadvantage does not disappear when students walk through the doors of their university – students from less advantaged backgrounds are almost twice as likely to drop out of university and 20% more likely to miss out on the top university grades.
This inequality affects an individual beyond their time at university and impacts society as a whole.
Join our community of supporters and create a fairer society where no child’s education is limited by their background. Our programmes support social mobility through a range of approaches:
By supporting The Brilliant Club, Trusts and Foundations drive social mobility through the power of education and create equal opportunities for young people in the UK.
The Brilliant Club wants to work with businesses who are committed to supporting more young people from diverse backgrounds to access and succeed at the most competitive universities.
As a philanthropic supporter of The Brilliant Club will work with you to find the best way to match your philanthropic aims with our mission.
Support young people to access and succeed at the most competitive universities by fundraising for The Brilliant Club.
Our supporters play a vital role in enabling our mission.
We would like to thank everyone who helped to make a positive difference for young people, including partner organisations, individuals and those who wish to remain anonymous.
If you are interested in supporting the charity, we would love to hear from you!
Please get in touch with our Head of Fundraising, Eve Saunders, via the button below.
The Brilliant Club is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and adheres to the Code of Fundraising Practice.
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