School pupils ‘inspired’ by Graduation Day experience at Oriel College 

Pupils from non-selective state schools spent the day at Oriel College to experience a university setting for the first time and discover what might be in store for them should they pursue higher education.

The day was organised in partnership with The Brilliant Club, a university access charity which offers programmes for school pupils from backgrounds with historically lower progression to higher education.

The attending pupils had all taken part in the charity’s Scholars Programme, where doctoral students tutor small groups of participants over eight weeks. The children use the skills they learn to complete a final assignment which is marked using university grades.

Their work culminated in a “Graduation Day” celebration at the College. The pupils received certificates, toured Oriel and asked current undergraduate students about what life is like at an Oxford college.

“Today we want to show the pupils that university is somewhere with students who look like them, who are very normal people, who are really friendly, that they can talk to,” explained Oriel College Outreach Manager Carys Owen.

“We want it to feel more familiar to them so that if they’re making decisions later down the line they go ‘oh yeah, I went to a university, I quite like that. I know what that looks like to me.’”

Pupils at Yateley School in Hampshire were among those who attended the Graduation Day.

“Oriel’s impact on this is absolutely massive,” said Yateley School teacher Clare Cobbold.

“It’s wonderful for the children to come and see a top university and have the opportunity with the tour, talks and graduation. It’s just very exciting.”

Oriel partnered with The Brilliant Club along with 12 other Oxford colleges in 2025 to help the charity deliver the Scholars Programme.

“It’s always a delight to see Scholars Programme pupils celebrating at their Graduation Event,” said a spokesperson for The Brilliant Club.

“They work hard to complete the programme and their visit to a university is the culmination of those efforts, as well as an opportunity to see what higher education could look like for them.”

Oriel’s broader Outreach programme is holding a number of upcoming Study Days for Year 12 students, for which applications are still open. Click here for more information.