In June 2026, the Department for Education published their enrichment framework, outlining guidance on how schools and colleges can deliver a high-quality enrichment offer for all students.
The Scholars Programme offers a hands-on experience of university learning while building skills for academic and career success, inspiring a love of learning and raising attainment in Key Stage 2 to 5 students. This programme provides enrichment opportunities for students, in line with the following DfE benchmarks:
1.3. A school or college considers how their enrichment offer contributes to achieving development priorities and statutory requirements
The Scholars Programme can be articulated to meet statutory regulations for Gatsby Benchmarks and is cited by Ofsted as an effective use of pupil premium funding. The Programme also supports with meeting evaluation areas such as inclusion, achievement, and personal development and wellbeing.
2.1. Every pupil and student has access to a range of activities that are purposeful, fun and can support a thriving childhood and successful transition to adulthood
PhD experts expand students’ knowledge beyond the curriculum, introducing them to interesting and engaging topics from ‘What is Fairness?’ to Japanese Cinema. The Scholars Programme is designed to develop pupils’ confidence, independent study skills, and academic self-belief to support their future aspirations.
3.1. Pupils, students and parents have timely, accessible and clear information about the enrichment offer, including relevant information on the activities, expectations and how to access it
The Brilliant Club provides a key stage specific letter for schools to send to parents/carers detailing what The Scholars Programme is and how they can support their child to get the most out of it. Parents/carers are also invited to two information webinars at the beginning and end of the Programme.
3.2. A school or college holds and communicates high aspirations for pupils and students to participate in the enrichment offer
The Scholars Programme is academically challenging and intended to stretch middle to higher prior attainers through university-style learning.
3.3. Participation and achievement in enrichment is acknowledged and celebrated
Pupils complete a final assignment graded using university standards and attend a Graduation event at a partner university to celebrate their achievement. Exceptional work may also be published in The Scholar, our academic journal.
4.2. Where appropriate, pupil or student leadership of enrichment activities is encouraged, with support and guidance from staff or external providers, and with appropriate safeguards in place
PhD tutors have enhanced-DBS checks and safeguarding training to ensure that staff do not need to constantly supervise tutorials. Pupils can communicate with tutors via a fully moderated online Hub.
4.3. The interests, expertise and capacity of school or college staff are considered when shaping the offer
A dedicated Programme Officer will support the school with the logistics, and one staff member will have the development opportunity of taking on the role as the Lead Teacher. The Programme is clearly structured in its delivery and objectives, removing the burden of creating an opportunity for students away from schools.
Watch the webinar we held in partnership with SecEd on Effective enrichment in secondary schools to learn more about practical ideas for academic enrichment activities in secondary schools.
5.1. A school or college’s enrichment offer is equitable, inclusive and accessible to all pupils and students, particularly those at risk of missing out. This includes disadvantaged pupils and students, making practical adjustments where needed
The Brilliant Club partners with state schools across the UK and works closely with teachers to select students based on three targeting criteria linked to underrepresentation at competitive universities: eligibility for free school meals, deprivation by postcode, and no parental history of higher education.
5.2. A school or college has systems to monitor participation, working to understand patterns, identify opportunities, and address barriers, including directly engaging with pupils, students, and parents to encourage participation
Parents/carers are given access to an online Hub to follow their child’s work on The Scholars Programme. They can also choose to receive a series of emails that share key updates throughout the Programme, including assignment deadlines, and a separate newsletter with insights into the wider sector, including further opportunities for young people thinking about higher education.
6.1. A school or college explores opportunities to work in partnership locally, nationally or virtually to broaden and improve the quality of their offer. They ensure their offer leverages expertise and infrastructure available beyond their own staff
Through The Scholars Programme, we connect schools with universities across the UK and a national network of PhD researchers, providing expertise and experiences beyond those typically available within schools.
7.1. A school or college considers pupil and student outcomes when designing and delivering their enrichment offer
Following the completion of The Scholars Programme, schools receive a robust impact report showing pupil engagement and reflections, and progress towards key academic skills and university-preparedness outcomes.
8.1. A school or college gathers feedback from pupils and students, parents, staff and external partners (where appropriate)
The school’s dedicated Programme Officer gathers feedback from the PhD tutor and staff, working with schools to review outcomes, share insights, and identify opportunities for future improvement.
It was one of the best experiences that I've had in my academic life. I learnt many things that I thought previously were extremely difficult and that I was incapable of understanding.