Local students celebrate brilliant success at Cambridge

Pupils from five schools in Norwich visited four Colleges at the University of Cambridge, where they celebrated graduating from a university-style tutorial programme organised by educational charity The Brilliant Club.

The Brilliant Club recruits and trains PhD and postdoctoral researchers to help students from non-selective state schools to develop the knowledge, skills and ambition they need to secure places at highly selective universities. Pupils work in-school with a PhD Tutor over the course of six weeks, experiencing small group tutorials on the researcher's areas of expertise. At the end of the course, pupils tackle final assignments on topics ranging from neuroscience to poetry.

24 students from Hethersett Academy and 12 students from Broadland High School headed for Jesus College. They took part in special graduation-style events, receiving certificates, handshakes and a big round of applause to congratulate them on completing the programme. Each student experienced an inspiring College tour and took part in confidence-building discussions with staff and current students about university study and why they might want to apply.

Ed Penn, Schools Liaison Officer at Jesus College, went to a state school in Norfolk before studying at Cambridge. He said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many students from the Norwich area enjoying their graduation ceremony at Jesus College. They’ve worked really hard and deserve to celebrate their success. We’re always keen to welcome bright, hardworking pupils to come and explore College life. And if distance is an issue, we can come and visit schools and groups in their local area.”

Hannah Crane, Assistant Principal at Hethersett Academy said: “Our students have been enthused and motivated by the experience. They have enjoyed learning in a different format, with the sessions being planned and run in a university seminar style. Everyone has worked with an outstanding tutor and we are very excited to get our next cohort of Scholars started this term."

Steph Hamilton, The Brilliant Club’s East of England Regional Director, says: “We are delighted to see so many pupils from Norwich at the University of Cambridge today to congratulate them on their success on our Scholars Programme. I hope that they are proud of the work that they have produced, and that the experience inspires them to consider applying for a highly selective university."