Why I Love Tutoring for The Brilliant Club

By Kelly Hatley

When I first started working with The Brilliant Club back in 2020, I knew it would be meaningful — but I didn’t realise just how transformative it would be, both for the young people I tutor and for me as a researcher and educator.

I’m a PhD student (currently on hold) in Creative Writing, with a research focus on horror-comedy (yes — the terrifyingly funny stuff). This might seem like an unusual fit for tutoring in schools, but that’s precisely why The Brilliant Club has been such an inspiring place to be: it values curiosity, creativity, and academic passion, no matter what corner of the academy you come from.

Research In the Classroom

What makes The Brilliant Club unique — and why I love being a part of it — is its belief that university-style learning should be accessible to every student, especially those who might not normally see themselves on that path. The charity trains PhD and postgraduate researchers like me to work directly in non-selective state schools across the UK, delivering intellectually engaging programmes that open doors to new ways of thinking and learning.

In my tutorials, I’ve taken KS2, KS3, KS4 and KS5 learners through ideas rooted in my own work — blending playful horror, critical thinking, and creative expression. Watching students move from initial ideas to bold, polished pieces of writing has been one of the joys of my academic life so far.

What The Brilliant Club Actually Does

To give some context: The Brilliant Club is a registered UK charity whose mission is to increase the number of less advantaged students progressing to competitive universities. It does this by mobilising a community of over a thousand researchers who bring real research and academic skills into school settings.

Their flagship initiative, The Scholars Programme, pairs PhD tutors with small groups of students across primary, secondary, and sixth-form age ranges. Students engage in tutorials that go beyond the standard curriculum, and they even receive university-style feedback on written work.

Why It Matters to Me

Too often in academia, I think we forget that the most exciting ideas aren’t just for those already headed to university — they’re for everyone. The Brilliant Club gives young people a chance to challenge themselves ask probing questions and to realise that their voice matters in the academic world too.

Every time a student tells me they’ve started thinking about university for the first time, or that they’re excited to write something they actually care about, I’m reminded why this work matters. That sense of growth — of seeing confidence and curiosity light up — is the part of tutoring I cherish most.

More Than Just Tutoring

Working with The Brilliant Club has also shaped me professionally. The training you receive as a tutor deepens your skills in pedagogy, communication, and engagement — it helps you translate academic research into something a wide range of learners can connect with. This has enriched both my teaching and my own continued academic journey.

And beyond the classroom, you’re part of a community. PhD tutors across disciplines share their passion, learn from one another, and support learners from all walks of life. It’s collaborative, ambitious, and deeply human.

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If you’re a fellow researcher, a teacher, or someone curious about how we can make education more equitable and exciting — I can’t recommend The Brilliant Club enough.