Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Course type: A level and Applied
Awarding/exam body: Pearson Edexcel

Do you have a topic you’re passionate about?

Would you like to research it in depth, create a piece of work and present it to your teachers and peers?

We offer the EPQ in addition to a three A level or a Level 3 Extended Diploma programme. The EPQ gives you the opportunity to select a topic that you are particularly interested in, and conduct both primary and secondary research. You can carry it out individually or as a group and it can be practical, or essay based.

The EPQ will develop and improve your own performance as a critical, reflective and independent learner. The qualification also helps develop skills such as planning, research, and critical thinking, alongside public speaking and presentation.

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Course Units

Unit 1: Dissertation

Unit 2: Investigation/Field Study

Unit 3: Performance

Unit 4: Artefact

Course Assessment

Students select a topic of their choice, design and carry out research and reflect on the project process. Based on the choice of unit, students will then present a method of assessment tailored to each unit.

Where This Course Could Take You

The EPQ is particularly beneficial for those students applying to Oxbridge and other highly competitive universities. Students often receive lower offers at competitive universities if they achieve at least an A grade in their EPQ.

The EPQ is a highly valued and respected course which is designed to enhance a student’s ability to work independently through the development and utilisation of a series of academic skills, all of which are beneficial for future study and employment.

For those looking to apply for university, the EPQ course provides excellent preparation for the kind of study required at degree level.

Entry Requirements

With 3 A level/ Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects: 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3

With Level 3 Extended Diploma qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, ideally including English Language at Grade 4 OR BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit with English Language at Grade 4

Course Highlights

Study skills workshops delivered by a range of universities

Trips to universities

Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

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Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Upcoming Events

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Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

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What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

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We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)