Academic excellence meets social impact: How one online school is innovating using the EPQ qualification
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In today鈥檚 education landscape, schools are increasingly seeking ways to equip students with not just academic qualifications, but also the skills demanded by universities and employers, along with the mindset to thrive and lead in a complex, fast-changing world.
One school has taken a bold step to create a course that delivers all this and more. Using the 蜜桃app Edexcel Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is already proving to have an enriching impact on the school, and working with Future Foundations, an award-winning youth leadership and social action organisation, Highgrove Online School have created a bespoke programme for their students named the Global Social Leaders EPQ.
Education through the lens of academic research and social impact
This course invites students to explore global challenges such as climate change, gender equality, and access to education through the lens of academic research and social action. Students not only investigate these issues in depth but also design and implement projects that aim to make a tangible difference in their communities.
Easily fits into the existing timetable
Like the standard , the flexibility of the programme means it can be tailored around other academic or extra-curricular commitments, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The results speak for themselves. In the most recent EPQ cohort at Highgrove, 80% of students achieved an A or A* grade, with 60% earning an A* and a testament to the school鈥檚 emphasis on building independent learning skills and fostering academic excellence.
Creating future change makers
But beyond grades, Highgrove鈥檚 Global Social Leaders EPQ programme is about empowering students to become changemakers. By linking the EPQ to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the course encourages learners to think critically about the world around them and take meaningful action. Each student鈥檚 project is showcased online, and participants are invited to reflect on their journey through guest blog posts, further reinforcing their communication and presentation skills.
As schools continue to adapt to the demands of a globalised, digital world, Highgrove鈥檚 approach of blending the EPQ with a broader mission creates a compelling course for students.
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About Highgrove Online School
Highgrove Online School is a global, British curriculum school for students aged 13 to 19, offering GCSEs, A Levels, and elective courses through a flexible online format. With small class sizes and a flipped learning model, students achieve outstanding results - 78% of A Level grades were A*-A in 2023. Learners benefit from personalised mentoring, inclusive support for special educational needs, and a vibrant community with clubs and events. Highgrove combines academic excellence with flexibility, making it ideal for students with unique schedules or international backgrounds.
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About Future Foundations
Future Foundations is an independent, award-winning UK organisation dedicated to empowering young people aged 7 to 24 to thrive in life and leadership. Through innovative training programmes and experiences, it supports personal, academic, and leadership development, helping young people transition into adulthood with confidence and purpose. The organisation partners with leading entities across the public, private, and third sectors to deliver impactful initiatives globally. Its mission is to equip young people to thrive, and its vision is a world where every young person has the foundations they need for their future.
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