Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applications Open - 1st November 2025

Applications Close - 15th December 2025

Entry Requirements - Candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 35 points from their best six GCSE subjects or equivalent (in the view of the School).

• Points will be on a 1-9 point scale, where Grade 1=1 and 2=2 etc.

• Candidates must also obtain at least a Grade 5 in English and Maths at GCSE or equivalent (in the view of the School).

Candidates must meet the specific requirements for each A Level course they wish to study as published in the 2025 Sixth Form Prospectus, which will be available on the website.

How to Apply - Do not apply through Kent Choices. Please apply via Cranbrook School Website using the following link: https://www.cranbrookschool.co.uk/admissions/sixth-form-admissions/

Course intent and outline content:

The EPQ offers opportunities for students to develop and improve their learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent students. Students develop and apply decision-making, problem-solving skills and eextend their skills in planning, research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation.

The EPQ has proved to be popular with students. It provides an opportunity for students to extend their abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and pursue individual interests. It allows students to embark on a largely self-directed project with an emphasis on skill development where students take responsibility for the choice and design of an individual project. Projects are founded on researched-based critical analysis and presented in the form of an academically referenced report, an artefact or a performance.

The EPQ is higher than an AS in terms of UCAS points being worth half of the points of an A level and is graded A* - E.

Please note it is not possible to undertake 4 A levels together with an EPQ.

• Students are required to:

 Choose an area of interest to research and draft a title/project aims for formal approval

 Independently plan, research and refine their project focus and title

 Complete researched-based critical analysis and present as an academically referenced report

 Deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience

 Evidence of all stages of project development and decision making in the form of a production log

A 12-month period of largely independent study starts in the Autumn term of Year 12 and finishes in the Autumn term of Year 13. Students are supported through their project with a taught skills program to cover key skills required and are matched to a supervisor who offers guidance through the process.

GCSE points exceeding a total of 70

Students can use their EPQ learning experiences to support their aspirations for further study and career development. Skills developed through the EPQ enable students to stand out in their university applications, provide an excellent foundation for study at university and are highly transferable to employment for future careers. Recognition of the study skills acquired from the EPQ, can result in reducing the level of a university offer, give an application preference on highly selective courses over students who do not have an EPQ, contribute to points for students applying on total points achieved and provide a focus for content within a personal statement and for interview discussion.