Burgess Hill Girls celebrates 'outstanding' EPQ success

All students take the EPQ in year 12 alongside A-levels, and 95 per cent of those who took it this year received either an A or an A*, with more than 60 per cent achieving an A*, the school said.

The EPQ allows students to study a subject of their own choosing in depth.

Burgess Hill Girls’ students completed projects ranging from 5,000 word essays to a scientific report on emotional response to music and a dramatic performance on a contemporary social issue.

A benefit of completing the EPQ in Year 12 is that students can include results with their applications to universities, many of whom reduce their grade requirements for pupils with strong EPQs.

The exam board credited the school’s entries for the wide range of interesting topics and the enthusiasm demonstrated by students.

Research titles ‘were clear and posed questions to which one genuinely wanted to know the answers’, the school said.

The students were excited to talk about the content of their projects. Sorrel, who holds offers for marine biology from Southampton and Plymouth, explored contemporary environmental challenges facing coral reefs, achieving an A*.

Sorrel said: “My A-levels give me the chance to explore the impact climate changes are having on global ecosystems, but through the EPQ I could explore one specific area to a greater level, developing my own perspectives along with my expertise.”

Liz Laybourn, headteacher of Burgess Hill Girls, said: “The EPQ can be transformational for the girls.”