The Brilliant Club ( Published: 26/01/2026)

As part of the school’s commitment to developing confident and articulate learners, students were given the opportunity to take part in ‘The Brilliant Club’ Scholars Programme. The programme gives pupils the chance to strengthen their oracy, share ideas and communicate with growing independence.

The launch of The Brilliant Club took place on Wednesday 14th January 2026, run by the University of Manchester, with a group of Year 10 students.

The Scholars Programme gives selected pupils the chance to work closely with PhD researchers who share their specialist subject knowledge and passion for learning.

Through seven university‑style tutorials, pupils not only deepen their academic understanding but also strengthen their oracy skills by engaging in discussion, debating ideas, asking questions and presenting their thinking with confidence. These experiences help students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, academic communication and resilience — all of which support their progress towards competitive universities.

Research from the Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT*) shows that pupils who take part are also more likely to achieve strong GCSE outcomes. Each placement supports 14 pupils and ends with a Graduation Event at a partner university, where students explore university life and celebrate their achievements.

The students made excellent contributions throughout the programme. Their confidence in speaking, sharing ideas and challenging thinking has grown so much, and it’s been brilliant to see them take real pride in their learning.
Miss Taylor, Teacher of Science

*HEAT. (2024). New research shows a positive impact on GCSE attainment using HEAT KS4 Attainment Track data.