AQA Project Qualification Pathway
At Farringtons Senior School, we believe that education should extend far beyond the boundaries of standard exams. That is why we are proud to offer our pupils a rare and invaluable academic journey: the complete AQA Project Qualification Pathway, encompassing the Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ), Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Fewer than 10% of UK independent secondary schools currently offer all three qualifications, with estimates placing the actual figure closer to just 5%. Integrated into our bespoke Floreat Programme, this suite of qualifications provides genuine, meaningful and nationally recognised academic stretch and challenge.
Freedom of Choice
A cornerstone of this approach is the complete freedom given to pupils. Specifically, schools permit and encourage pupils to choose a subject area and topic that genuinely inspires them. Whether exploring a deep-seated passion or tailoring a research topic directly toward a future university course and career path, pupils hold the reins. Furthermore, the final outcome does not have to be a traditional essay; pupils can produce practical investigations, create physical artefacts, organise performances, or write detailed reports. Ultimately, the qualification assesses the pupil’s mastery of the project process just as much as the finished product itself.
A Coherent Narrative
The AQA Project Qualifications form a single family, not three isolated credentials. They belong to a single family built on a shared, robust model:
Formulate/Question – Plan -Research – Develop – Produce – Review – Present – Reflect
As pupils progress through Farringtons Senior School, each stage builds naturally upon the last:
- FPQ (Foundation – Level 1): Learning to Research – chosen as part of the XYZ Elective Blocks in Year 9, this stage is designed to offer a structured, heavily supported introduction to research and project management
- HPQ (Higher – Level 2): Becoming Independent – chosen as part of the Floreat Programme in Year 10. Sitting at GCSE standard (requiring 60 guided learning hours), the HPQ elevates the expectation of independence. It serves as the natural bridge between GCSE study and post-16 learning
- EPQ (Extended – Level 3): Advanced Undergraduate-Style Research – chosen as part of the Floreat Programme in Year 12. Carrying up to 28 UCAS points (equivalent to half an A Level) and requiring 120 guided learning hours, the EPQ demands high levels of autonomy, operating much like a university dissertation
Unlocking University Access
By completing all three qualifications, Farringtons pupils build a coherent, compelling story for higher education admissions teams. As a result, the pathway systematically instills precisely the qualities top tier universities look for.
Because the EPQ has established admissions relevance, a growing number of top UK universities explicitly recognise it. They frequently make reduced grade offers or use a student’s EPQ performance to distinguish strong applicants in competitive courses. In competitive courses, that distinction matters.
Ultimately, through Floreat and the AQA Project Pathway, Farringtons School ensures our pupils do not merely pass exams—they graduate as confident, independent scholars ready to thrive at the world’s best universities.
