Higher Project Qualification (HPQ): Key Stage 4

New for this year!

The Level 2 Higher Project is offered to a small group of More and Most Able Year 9 students as an extra qualification to complement their GCSE’s. The course encourages students to extend and develop beyond the material being covered in class and explore their passion for a subject. It can help them to discover the joys of independent learning, take responsibility for their own projects and develop new life and study skills.

The Higher Projects Qualification requires students to carry out research on a topic that they've chosen that isn't covered by their other qualifications. They then use this research to produce a written report.

Projects are overseen by project supervisors who guide their students through the process.

 

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Key Stage 5

The Level 3 Extended Project is an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to extend and develop students' abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare them for university or their future career.

• it can be taken as an extension of other Level 3 qualifications or vocational qualifications
• it's worth half an A-level (max 28 UCAS points)
• it's recognised by universities and employers
• many universities make lower A-level offers to students undertaking an EPQ.

The EPQ allows students to lead their own projects. Students get to plan and carry out research on a topic that they've chosen and isn't covered by their other qualifications. They can take inspiration from something touched on in class or something personal and unrelated to their studies. They then use this research to produce a written report and, in the case of practical projects, an artefact or a production.

By taking responsibility for the choice, design and decision-making of an individual project (or an individual role in a group project) students:

• become more critical, reflective and independent learners
• develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills
• increase their planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
• learn to apply technologies confidently
• demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise.

Projects are overseen by project supervisors who guide their students through the process.

In 2026, 100% of the Year 13 students who entered the EPQ gained an A/A* grade.