Brilliant Club Scholars Programme 2025: A Celebration of Scientific Excellence

Since April 2025, fourteen of our exceptional science students at Oulton Academy have been taking part in the prestigious Brilliant Club Scholars Programme. This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to experience university-style learning and research, helping to bridge the gap between school and higher education.

Guided by PhD tutor Meg Coleman, the students explored the fascinating physics behind Liquid Crystal Elastomers—a cutting-edge topic that challenged them to think critically and engage with complex scientific ideas. Through a series of in-school tutorials, they developed their understanding and honed their academic skills.

The programme culminated in the production of a 2,000-word research essay, requiring students to apply their knowledge, structure a formal argument, and write with clarity and precision—just as they would at university.

We are incredibly proud to share that the results this year were outstanding:

• Three students achieved a Starred First, the highest possible grade.
• Six students were awarded a First, reflecting excellent academic performance.
• The remaining students all achieved Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1), a strong and commendable result.

These achievements are a testament to the students’ hard work, resilience, and academic potential. We also extend our sincere thanks to Meg Coleman for her expert guidance and to the Brilliant Club for providing such a transformative and inspiring opportunity.

We look forward to seeing how these young scholars continue to grow and succeed in their academic journeys.