STUDENTS have been celebrated for their brilliance after graduating from a four-month study programme designed to get more state-educated pupils into top universities.

Eight students from Year 12 at Richmond Sixth Form College have graduated from The Brilliant Club, a charity that mobilises the PhD community to share its academic expertise with students through an engaging and challenging schedule of activities.

The eight students, who all study A-level Mathematics, worked on a project titled ‘Nuclear energy: solution to future energy needs’.

Subin Pariyar, Brilliant Club graduate, said: “Our subject topic was very interesting and enriched our experience. As a whole, I thought that the process was very enlightening because we were taught by a PhD student, Gary Linnett, who helped us to develop our skills in this given field. We learnt a lot of valuable transferable skills including essay writing and referencing. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and visit universities and we are thankful for the opportunity The Brilliant Club has given us.”

Between January and May the students worked with Mr Linnett as well as attending university-style tutorials at The University of York.

Sandra Johnson, assistant headteacher, said: “It is vital that we continue to encourage the next generation of students to explore and access the opportunities available from highly-selective universities. The Brilliant Club allows them to develop their ambitions."