Farnborough Hill Celebrates Outstanding Extended Project Qualification Results

Farnborough Hill is delighted to celebrate another year of exceptional achievement in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a key component of the Academic Study Skills programme in the Lower Sixth. 

The EPQ is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that gives students the opportunity to undertake an in-depth research project on a topic of their own choosing. Equivalent to half an A level, it is designed to develop independent learning, critical thinking, academic research skills and project management — all essential preparation for higher education and beyond. Students are supported in formulating a research question, conducting detailed investigation, analysing their findings and presenting their work to a high academic standard. 

This week, the School received confirmation of an outstanding set of results. In a record-sized cohort, nearly 80% of projects were awarded an A* or A grade. The AQA Moderator commended the work highly, noting that “all titles in the sample were of exceptional academic standard.” 

Headmistress, Maria Young, expressed her pride in the girls, saying: 

“Undertaking an EPQ alongside demanding and time-consuming A levels is a serious challenge, but the girls have risen to it and excelled. 

Many of them completed the HPQ while in Year 9 with us, so they had some understanding of what to expect from an independent project and a great grounding in the skills needed to achieve highly. And achieve highly they did! I am tremendously pound of each of you, girls, and the huge variety of titles demonstrated beautifully what an eclectic and interesting cohort you are.  

I would also like to thank the team of teachers who mentored the girls to success. Your patience, dedication and encouragement has allowed the young women in our care to excel.” 

The range of topics explored by the students reflected both intellectual curiosity and social awareness, spanning subjects such as the role of protest music in civil rights movements and the relationship between scoliosis and mental health. These ambitious projects demanded sustained effort over an extended period, and the girls should be extremely proud not only of the quality of their findings, but also of the commitment, resilience and independence they demonstrated throughout the process. 

Farnborough Hill remains committed to fostering a love of learning and equipping students with the skills, confidence and academic rigour needed to thrive in higher education and future careers. Explore Sixth Form on the Hill.