The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a fantastic opportunity to stretch students' knowledge and develop new skills of project management, research, presentation and report writing. In summary, it is a unique qualification that makes students better applicants for university and develops a great deal of employable skills.
TGGS held their first SWAT EPQ event 7th July 2025, welcoming colleagues from the SWAT Grammar schools to discuss best practice and share expertise. Some of the most important considerations were how the EPQ fosters social mobility. Starting the discussion, delegates reviewed the most up to date research by Dr Tim Gill (2024) from Cambridge University. His analysis of outcomes of students taking the EPQ, compared to those who did not take the qualification, concluded that there is ‘strong evidence that the EPQ effectively prepares students for HE. Compared to non-EPQ students, EPQ students are more likely to achieve higher A level results, progress to HE and have a higher probability of being awarded a higher class of degree, than their non-EPQ peers’.
Colleagues engaged in talks about embedding an EPQ Culture, including supporting stakeholders in successfully running aspects of the program such as the taught skills elements. Findings of research from Southampton and Leeds University supported the discussion. They considered engagement in the changes with AI technology and the impacts on young people, with talks finally culminating in sharing best practice of their programs that work well in supporting students’ success in this important endeavour.
We gain massive benefits from belonging to SWAT. The South West Academic Trust is a partnership of leading grammar schools in the South West and the University of Exeter. Our vision is to work together to raise achievement and aspiration within our schools and across the region. Each school seeks to continue and extend existing partnerships with community schools, sharing and embedding good practice and innovation in order to contribute to raising standards and achievement.
SWAT is made up of the following schools: Bournemouth School for Girls, Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Colyton Grammar School, Devonport High School for Girls, Devonport High School for Boys, Parkstone Grammar School, Plymouth High School for Girls, Poole Grammar School, South Wilts Grammar School, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, and the University of Exeter.
We are the leading centre for the Level 3 Extended Project in the South-West.