Oasis Academy Short Heath pupils graduate from The Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme at Oxford University

A fantastic group of Year 5 and 6 pupils of Oasis Academy Short Heath in Birmingham have graduated from Oxford University’s Jesus College as part of The Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme. 

As part of the social mobility charity’s initiative, fourteen pupils had the unique opportunity to work with a PhD tutor throughout the summer term. They explored a challenging supra-curricular topic that went beyond the standard primary curriculum - Philosophy: What is Fairness?, which encouraged them to think deeply, question ideas, and engage with complex concepts. 

During a series of university-style tutorials, the pupils worked in small groups alongside a subject expert, developing their critical thinking, communication and academic discussion skills. Between tutorials, they completed independent research and homework tasks, growing in confidence as independent learners and embracing the challenge of learning at a higher level. 

The programme concluded with a final assignment pitched at one key stage above their current year group. This demanding piece of work required dedication, resilience and intellectual curiosity. While the assignment was challenging, the pupils found it highly rewarding, and successfully submitting their work was a significant achievement. 

The Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme is designed to inspire a love of learning and raise aspirations by giving young people access to experiences typically associated with higher education. By working alongside PhD researchers and experiencing university-style learning, pupils gain valuable skills including critical thinking, communication, research and independent learning, all of which support their future educational and career journeys. The programme also helps young people broaden their horizons and better understand the range of pathways available to them in later life, with higher education being one of many opportunities they may choose to pursue. 

This opportunity reflects our commitment to helping every child discover and fulfil their potential. At Oasis, we believe in starting early to inspire later, giving young people access to experiences that build confidence, develop skills and broaden their understanding of future opportunities, including higher education as one of many possible pathways. 

The students' attitude, determination and passion for learning throughout the project has been undeniable. They demonstrated excellent commitment throughout the programme, engaging wholeheartedly in tutorials, independent study and feedback opportunities to strengthen their work and deepen their understanding. 

Paving the way for a bright and successful future, the graduation at Oxford University was a celebration not only of academic success, but also of the confidence, resilience and ambition the pupils have developed. Experiences such as these help pupils recognise how the skills they build today can support their next steps, while giving them insight into university as one of a range of exciting pathways available to them as they progress through their education.