Part of our Sixth Form programme and a compulsory element for all full-time A Level students

Why the EPQ Matters at Oxford Online School

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a key component of our full-time A Level provision. It challenges students to take ownership of their learning by producing a substantial piece of work on a topic of their choice, guided by a dedicated supervisor.

At Oxford Online School, we embed the EPQ within our UPP (University Preparation and Progression) programme. This ensures that students not only develop academic independence but also benefit from:

• One-to-one mentoring throughout the project process
• Research skills workshops and writing support
• Presentation and communication coaching

Completing the EPQ allows students to:

• Demonstrate commitment to academic enquiry
• Stand out in university applications (up to 28 UCAS points)
• Deepen subject specialism beyond the A Level syllabus

How It Works

Students undertake a project in one of three forms:

• A 5,000-word academic dissertation
• A practical project with a written report (e.g. artwork, product design, or performance)
• An investigation or field study with analysis and evaluation

All full-time A Level students begin their EPQ in their first term and complete it over the academic year, supported by:

• Weekly EPQ tutorials and milestones
• Peer collaboration and feedback sessions
• Online research tools and reference management training

We also welcome external students who are studying A Levels elsewhere and wish to complete their EPQ with us. External learners will receive the same level of academic mentoring and access to our structured online support.

Structured Online Support

Our EPQ provision is delivered live, with a strong focus on independent progress and reflective learning. Lessons are interactive and designed to:

• Build academic resilience and inquiry skills
• Foster creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking
• Encourage responsible use of sources and ethical research practices

Students are assessed on their project planning, research, outcome, and presentation, ensuring that every part of the process contributes to their final grade.

Who Is This Programme For?

The EPQ is a compulsory programme for all full-time A Level students at Oxford Online School. It is also ideal for:

• University-bound students who want to enhance their personal statement
• Learners eager to explore niche areas of interest
• Students preparing for research-heavy disciplines such as medicine, law, politics, or engineering
• External A Level students who want to benefit from expert EPQ guidance and assessment support