An Extended Project Qualification, or EPQ, gives you the opportunity to carry out a research project on a topic of personal interest or importance to you; academic or vocational, practical or theoretical.

EPQ is an AS-Level (half an A-level) qualification, graded A*-E and worth up to 28 points towards your university entry. Many universities, including Lancaster, Liverpool, Leeds and Southampton, now make reduced grade offers to students completing an EPQ in recognition of the skills, maturity and understanding the qualification provides.

Your EPQ topic is limited only by your imagination, working with your EPQ teacher any area of interest can be developed into a strong project title. So whether you’re interested in human rights, maths, fitness, history, engineering, virtual reality, the NHS, publishing, psychology, sports, or anything else taking an EPQ in the 6th Form is a great opportunity to explore your passion in life and gain an additional qualification.

Many of our students complete an EPQ related to a part of their life beyond 6th Form, a hobby, responsibility, business interest or family connection). Other students develop an EPQ that helps prepare them for their next steps after 6th Form, either relating to a particular university course, apprenticeship route or preparation for interviews and employment.

A specialist tutor will guide you through your EPQ in a small tutorial class, the lessons combine 1:1 feedback meetings with your EPQ tutor and delivery of the practical and academic research, referencing and writing skills to develop you as a researcher and project manager.

EPQ is assessed via your portfolio of research and development work, including an initial Project Proposal Form and an Activity Log in which you record the development of your project throughout the course of your EPQ.

An EPQ gives you the opportunity to explore a subject that interests you, beyond your A levels and BTECs. It’s a handy qualification to have, as it gives you something to talk about in your personal statement as well as at university or apprenticeship interviews and job applications. It gives you the opportunity to prove that you can successfully undertake independent study and evidencing how passionate and well-informed you are to future employers and university tutors.