Researchers in Schools

Who we are

Researchers in Schools is delivered by The Brilliant Club, an award-winning charity that exists to widen access to highly-selective universities for pupils from under-represented groups. Through Researchers in Schools, PhD graduates become highly-effective classroom teachers, champions for university access and future subject leaders in the education sector.

Researchers in Schools is currently delivered in partnership with 15 Initial Teacher Education providers and more than 75 schools, and supported by a range of educational organisations and the Department for Education.

The RIS Programme offers a tailored route into teaching exclusively for PhD graduates. It is specifically designed to utilise their academic expertise to the benefit of pupils, schools and universities.

The programme is designed to run over three years, with participants achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in their first year and completing their Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year in year two. Participants are placed in non-selective, secondary schools, supported to become excellent new teachers and research leaders, and have access to research associate status at a selective university.