WILLIAM Edwards School in Grays has recently celebrated 12 students completing the prestigious Scholars Programme, run by award-winning charity, The Brilliant Club.

The Brilliant club is a charity that recruits, trains and places doctoral and post-doctoral researchers in non-selective state schools to deliver university style courses and tutorials based on their own area of expertise.

The Scholars Programme supports students from ages eight to 18, with the aim of increasing the number of state school students progressing to a Russell group university. The programme encourages students to develop the skills, knowledge, and ambition to secure a place at a highly selective university and provides them with the confidence to excel in the next phase of their education.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions this year, The Scholars Programme was offered virtually to all applicants. Following the programme's online launch event and tutorials, the students wrote a mini version of a dissertation on the topic of 'Circadian Rhythms: what makes us tick?'.

After submitting their written essay, the students' work was marked and they were given a university style grade such as a first or 2:1. The final part of the programme concludes with students receiving a certificate upon completion and attending a virtual graduation ceremony.

The Scholar Programme graduates from William Edwards School acknowledged the experience and access to wider opportunities that the programme has provided them with.

Ashleigh said: "From the Brilliant Club, I feel that I have achieved quite a lot, from the new knowledge I received, to being able to complete my essay. I feel more confident in my writing abilities and the way in which I structure my work. Overall, I'm grateful that I have been able to partake in the programme!"

Erika said: "During the Brilliant club, I achieved knowledge, resilience, and I improved my essay writing skills. I learnt how to work independently and do some extra research. I enjoyed it a lot as it was a fun and challenging experience which allowed me to learn something more advanced and interesting."

Since 2016, William Edwards has seen 188 students graduate from The Scholars Programme.

Headteacher Simon Bell said: "Having worked with The Brilliant Club for the past five years, I cannot think of a better way for our students to get a real university-style learning experience and help grow their confidence when moving onto the next stage of their education.

"All our students who have graduated from The Scholars Programme have benefitted hugely from the experience and it has certainly helped them stand out in their university applications.

"We are particularly proud of this cohort for undertaking the programme so successfully whilst remote learning in lockdown and would like to thank The Brilliant Club for ensuring our students could still take part in this amazing opportunity."