By David Lewis, Elea High Online School
Preparing Students for University and Beyond
When students ask me, “What more can I do to prepare for university?”, I often point them towards the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Although it’s less well known than A Levels, the EPQ is an opportunity for genuine intellectual exploration. It nurtures research, critical analysis, decision-making, time management and organisational skills – all essential for success in higher education and beyond.
A recent national study (Gill, 2024) found that students who complete the EPQ are more likely to progress into higher education and feel better prepared for it, even after accounting for background differences.
At Elea High Online School, we see this every year: EPQ students arrive at university with stronger research skills, greater academic maturity, and the confidence to succeed.
Take Emily, a former Elea High student and English second-language learner. Her project, exploring the impact of social media on first-time voters, didn’t just refine her analytical and writing abilities; it gave her the confidence to present her findings at a local academic conference.
How the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Transforms Learning
When students take an EPQ in Year 12, or even Year 11, we notice a clear improvement in their reasoning, writing, and critical thinking – especially in essay-based subjects such as English Literature and History.
To achieve a high grade, students must develop, practise, and refine key academic skills, including:
- Critical evaluation – weighing up opposing arguments, identifying bias, and developing a justified personal viewpoint
- Advanced analytical thinking – checking the validity of information and understanding its reasoning
- Structured academic writing – composing clear, evidence-based essays that communicate complex ideas effectively
Research and Real-World Results
It’s not just our experience at Elea High and TLC Private School that demonstrates these benefits. A range of organisations, from Pearson to Cambridge, have documented the measurable impact of the EPQ:
- A UK government-commissioned review of CyberEPQ found that 81% of learners improved their research skills and 75% developed greater subject knowledge.
- Cambridge Assessment reports that students who complete an EPQ often achieve better outcomes in higher education.
- Research into widening access to university shows that the EPQ helps students close learning gaps and strengthen academic skills crucial to degree success.
At Elea High Online School, we’re proud that 100% of our EPQ students have achieved A or A* – a record that reflects both their ambition and the dedication of our teaching team.
The Pearson Case Study: Proving the Power of EPQ
While part of TLC Private School, we piloted the EPQ Express, leading to our feature in Pearson’s Future Ready Case Study.
Highlights from the case study include:
- Students developed their own research questions, project plans, and academic writing with guided support.
- Tutors observed how students’ critical thinking deepened through argument construction and ethical reflection.
- Students tackled ambitious topics such as:
- “How the holographic principle could solve the black hole information paradox”
- “To what extent do we have free will?”
This success confirmed what we continue to see at Elea High: EPQ students are better prepared for university-level research and independent study.
Student Achievements and Research Topics
Our EPQ students explore an impressive range of topics, including:
- Can Green Hydrogen be Produced Safely?
- To What Extent Are First-Time Voters Influenced by Social Media?
- How Many Dimensions of Space Are There?
- How the Holographic Principle Could Solve the Black Hole Information Paradox
- To What Extent Are People’s Perceptions Shaped by Language?
- How Does the Fast Fashion Industry Impact Females Working in Bangladesh?
Each topic demands in-depth research, creativity, and intellectual courage.
Skills That Shape the Future
Through their projects, students develop:
- Independent research skills – choosing, refining, and defending their own question
- Planning and project management – using milestones, logs, and managing deadlines
- Critical thinking and argument structure – evaluating evidence and recognising bias
- Academic writing and referencing – structuring essays and citing sources accurately
- Presentation and communication – explaining findings confidently in a viva or exhibition
- Resilience and self-motivation – learning to persist through challenges and revisions
These are exactly the skills that universities and employers value most: the ability to think deeply, manage complex tasks, and communicate with clarity.
Why You Should Consider the EPQ at Elea High
For our next cohort, we’re seeking curious, ambitious students who want to go beyond standard qualifications and showcase their ability to work at the highest level.
By completing the EPQ, you’ll:
- Stand out in your personal statement
- Earn up to 28 UCAS points (equivalent to half an A Level)
- Demonstrate genuine independent thinking
- Prepare yourself exceptionally well for university and life beyond
- Boost your performance across A Level subjects
- Create a project that reflects your passion, resilience, and potential
At Elea High, you’ll receive expert guidance every step of the way to explore your interests, challenge yourself, and let your curiosity lead.
Learn more about our EPQ course today or get in touch to find out more!
Reference
Gill, T. (2024). The Extended Project Qualification in England: does it provide benefit for higher education readiness?Oxford Review of Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2024.2325966