Extended Project Qualification

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026. If you require any further information after our closing date please do contact nicola.owenhughes@swale.at

Entry Requirements: - Grade 4 and above in 5 GCSEs Including English and Maths for Level 3 programmes, higher grades are required for some subjects

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Details of our Pathways and Option Blocks can be seen in the Gallery or viewed here

If you have any questions regarding the Sixth Form, our courses, facilities or our application process, please do contact us, either by telephone (01233 614613) or email (tns-sixthform-team@swale.at). We will be happy to arrange either a telephone call or meeting to answer these. We are happy to forward subject specific questions to subject leaders who may be better placed to answer your queries. We look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offers students an exciting chance to stretch and challenge themselves whilst developing the skills and confidence to succeed in Higher Education and the job market. The EPQ is an independent research project on a topic of the student’s choice which can be an extension of their A level qualifications or something completely unrelated to their studies. Students can select to study the EPQ in addition to their other subjects.

Learners are required, with appropriate supervision, to:

• Choose an area of interest
• Draft a title and aims of the project for formal approval by the centre
• Plan, research and carry out the project (producing either a 5000 word essay or an artefact supported by a 1500 word report
• Deliver a presentation to a specified audience
• Provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment.

The EPQ is awarded up to 70 UCAS points (the equivalent of an AS) and is highly regarded by universities as it shows that you have developed strong independent research skills and are able to plan and create pieces of extended writing.

Students are assessed on their ability to manage, develop, record and realise their projects. Students plan the project, record what they do in a production log and present their work to a non-specialist audience. This is assessed by their supervisor and moderated by the centre co-ordinator.

Students will require a minimum of five A*-C/9-4 grades at GCSE, including English and Mathematics.

The EPQ:

• Gives students to opportunity to choose their own topic
• Makes students responsible for their own learning and development
• Inspires and motivates students - completing the project gives them greater confidence and a sense of achievement
• Teaches new skills, such as independent research, project management, reflection and self-directed learning