We know that university education changes lives, by promoting upward social mobility and improving the economic prospects of individuals and communities, with graduates from the most competitive universities more likely to access professional careers, have higher rates of life satisfaction and, on average, earn £10,000 more per year than their peers.
However, significant inequalities remain. While progress has been made, the greatest economic returns from earning a degree remain with higher-tariff institutions and positions of influence in the UK still significantly more likely to be held by graduates of the most competitive institutions. Yet access to the most competitive universities is often influenced by factors outside of a young person’s control.
At the same time, demand for advanced skills is growing. Universities play a vital role in developing the innovation, talent, and critical thinking needed to drive economic growth and respond to challenges such as technological change and the transition to a green economy. An additional 11 million graduates will be needed by 2035, creating both urgency and opportunity to widen access.
When it comes to education, it should not matter where you grow up or your family circumstances. Every young person should have a fair chance at success.
The Brilliant Club wants to work with businesses who are committed to supporting more young people from diverse backgrounds to access competitive universities and develop the skills to take on leading roles across society.
GCSE grades are vital for unlocking post-16 opportunities. Data from the Higher Education Access Tracker shows that students who participate in The Scholars Programme achieve higher grades at GCSE than other students from their schools with similar prior attainment. Our evaluation found that 70% of students who completed The Scholars Programme in Year 10 achieved a 9-5 in maths and English, compared to 43% of their peers.
For nine consecutive years, independent evaluation with UCAS has shown that Scholars Programme graduates progress to competitive universities at a higher rate than other students from similar backgrounds.
The programme has also been shown to improve students written communication, critical thinking and subject knowledge, as well as their confidence.
We know that students from less advantaged backgrounds often lack the support, guidance and professional networks available to their more advantaged peers.
We would love to discuss how volunteers from your company might be able to use their expertise and experience to support school and university students taking part in our programmes.
We are also seeking corporate partners to co-design new courses for The Scholars Programme linked to high-priority industries such as:
I ended up getting to Oxford, which is incredible and, if I hadn't [done The Scholars Programme], I don't think I would have even tried. Having studied at Oxford opens up many doors - it’s like it equalises everything and disregards any deprivation that you’ve gone through in early life. I'm already getting job offers and I feel like I’m in a position now where I’m in a very privileged spot, which is very different to how it was 3-4 years ago.
Contact us to discuss how your business can get involved.
Email our Head of Fundraising, Eve Saunders, via the button below.
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