Extended Project

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is designed to develop learners’ critical, reflective, problem-solving and independent learning skills, and supports pupils with the transition to higher education or the world of work. The EPQ is a unique study programme for which the learning material is entirely pupil selected and developed.

The pupil selects a topic in which they have a particular interest or passion, which will develop their skills, knowledge and understanding. It could be an in-depth review of a historical issue or the creation of a website. Pupils are assessed on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project.

Structure of the Programme

The course is taught across three terms from Spring term of Year 12, with projects submitted for moderation in January of Year 13. Pupils studying the EPQ complete a course of 25 LiveLessons® across three academic terms and additionally commit to spending 40-80 hours to complete their project.

The LiveLessons® on this elective course guide pupils through the skills needed to plan, execute and evaluate their projects, including research skills, project management skills and presentation skills. Pupils are allocated a project mentor and are required to meet regularly with their mentor to track and support progress with their project. Pupils select a project topic which expands their learning in their field of study, in a related area, or an area that is relevant to their own personal interests. Pupils are assessed on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project.

There are four paths in the EPQ, of which a pupil may select only one. Each unit is equally weighted. Final course grades are assessed by the teacher responsible for the EPQ at the School.

Unit 1 – Dissertation

A theoretical written project on any topic presenting an argument, e.g. research into a biological, historical or environmental issue.

Unit 2 – Investigation/ Field Study

A practical investigatory project involving the collection of data, e.g. a scientific investigation, a geographical study of erosion, a biological study of pollution, a statistical survey.

Unit 3 – Performance

Development of practical skills resulting in a performance, e.g. performing music, drama, sport.

Unit 4 – Artefact

For example, making a painting or sculpture, designing a piece of furniture or a garment, creating a website, solving an engineering/construction problem, producing a piece of graphic design.

University Acceptance

The EPQ allows you to develop essential skills which will benefit you at university and in your future careers. Due to the EPQ’s intensive requirement for independent learning, critical thinking, evaluation and enquiry, pupils with an Extended Project Qualification are held in high regard by universities and future employers. In some cases, admissions tutors may make a reduced offer to applicants that involves successful completion of the Extended Project. Pupils can draw upon their experience of undertaking the project when writing their personal statement, and a successfully completed Extended Project is often taken into account if a pupil narrowly misses the grades outlined in a university offer to them.

Universities have said:

We welcome the Extended Project and would encourage applicants to undertake one as it will help to develop independent study and research skills valuable for higher education.
University of Cambridge

Durham University sees the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as a valuable addition to A-levels or alternative post-16 qualifications. As a research intensive University, Durham supports the skills that the EPQ helps to develop and sees them as beneficial to improving transition from year 13 to Higher Education.
Durham University

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made two offers: the standard offer for their programme of choice; and an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ.
University of Birmingham

Full-time pupils

Individual A Level pupils

Pupils on the Individual A Level programme who opt-in for the enrichment programme will be automatically eligible to participate. Pupils who have not previously opted-in for the enrichment programme but wish to join are encouraged to contact the Admissions Department. We are usually able to honour this request, provided the pupil is on-track with their studies and is not over-stretched with commitments elsewhere.