Edward has visited Year 7 and Year 8 pupils at Cedars Academy in Birstall to hear from them about their progress as part of 'The Scholars Programme', a national scheme which gives school pupils an opportunity to experience university-style learning, and which aims to encourage pupils to start thinking about university early, and to aim high when they apply.
The programme recruits, trains, and places PhD researchers in non-selective state schools to deliver university-style tutorials based on their own research to small groups of pupils. As part of the programme, the pupils also visit two top-class universities where they receive information, advice, and guidance about university life, making a successful application, and what to expect when a few years later they start thinking about whether to apply to university themselves. The programme is run by the Brilliant Club, an award-winning charity whose aim is to increase the number of pupils from under-represented backgrounds progressing to top-flight universities.
Edward said: "It is always great to visit the Cedars Academy, which is doing such a great job for students in the area, and to meet pupils taking part in the Scholars Programme.
I was very impressed at how they engaged with such a complex and challenging academic topic, and their enthusiasm and talent was very clear. What is important is that they get the opportunity to fulfil that talent, and the Brilliant Club's Scholars Programme , working with schools like the Cedars Academy, helps them to do just that."