The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is one of the most powerful yet under-discussed tools in a student’s sixth form journey. In this parent-focused episode, we unpack why EPQ is more than just an elective — it’s a strategic asset for university admissions, Oxbridge interviews, and degree apprenticeship applications.

🎓 UCAS Points & Interview Power: Discover how EPQ offers up to 28 UCAS points and becomes a standout talking point in competitive interviews.

🧠 Academic & Career Synergy: Learn how choosing the right EPQ topic can align with your child’s future course or career — boosting both confidence and credibility.

📘 What EPQ Involves: We break down the formats (thesis vs artefact), research methods, and what students actually produce.

🏫 Routes to Completion: Whether offered in school or pursued independently, we explain how students can access EPQ and what support they’ll need.

📈 Case Studies & Success Stories: Hear how students have used EPQ to secure university offers and degree apprenticeships.

This episode is your essential guide to understanding why EPQ might just be the smartest elective your child can choose — and how it opens doors far beyond the classroom.

Press play to unlock the EPQ advantage.

Important Links:

The link below contains Extended Project Qualification exemplars, organised by subject area and theme.

Topic pathway approach | Pearson qualifications

🔗 Important Links for Maths Competitions

• JMC / JMO / IMC / SMC – UKMT Competitions
  👉 ukmt.org.uk
• ROXbridge Maths Challenge – No school participation required
  👉 oxbridgeinstitute.co.uk/plus/roxbridge
• 🔗 Important Links for University Maths Tests
  • MAT – Maths Admissions Test (Oxford)
    👉 maths.ox.ac.uk
  • TMUA – Test of Mathematics for University Admission (Cambridge)
    👉 undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

🔗 Important Links for UCAS Points

• UCAS Tariff Points Calculator
  Quickly check how many points each qualification earns.
  👉 https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
• UCAS Points Tables by Qualification
  See how A-levels, BTECs, IB, and others convert into UCAS points.
  👉 https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/ucas-points

Choosing a school in the UK can feel overwhelming. This episode is your comprehensive, parent-focused overview of the three main types of schools: state-funded comprehensives, selective state grammar schools, and independent (private) schools.

We look in-depth at the three critical entry points—Primary, Secondary (Ages 11/13), and Sixth Form—detailing the key differences in:

• ✅ Funding & Admissions: How each school is financed and the exact process to get your child a place.
• 👥 Student Demographics: The typical social and academic mix you can expect.
• 📈 Academic Attainment: A look at the different attainment profiles and learning environments.

This is your essential guide to clearly understanding the choices, the costs, and the characteristics of the complex UK school landscape.

Press play to start making informed decisions!

School Rankings:

https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/

https://www.godolphinandlatymer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/The-Sunday-Times-Parent-Power.pdf

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education-and-careers/uk-secondary-school-rankings-gcse-maths-english/

https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/uk-schools/advice/best-grammar-schools-uk

🔗 Important Links for Maths Competitions

• JMC / JMO / IMC / SMC – UKMT Competitions
  👉 ukmt.org.uk
• ROXbridge Maths Challenge – No school participation required
  👉 oxbridgeinstitute.co.uk/plus/roxbridge
• 🔗 Important Links for University Maths Tests
  • MAT – Maths Admissions Test (Oxford)
    👉 maths.ox.ac.uk
  • TMUA – Test of Mathematics for University Admission (Cambridge)
    👉 undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

🔗 Important Links for UCAS Points

• UCAS Tariff Points Calculator
  Quickly check how many points each qualification earns.
  👉 https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
• UCAS Points Tables by Qualification
  See how A-levels, BTECs, IB, and others convert into UCAS points.
  👉 https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/ucas-points

In this crucial episode, we decode the toughest decisions facing students: A-Level choices. It's not just about picking what you like—it's about strategy, prerequisites, and keeping your future options open.

You’ll learn:

• Why quality always trumps quantity.
• The non-negotiable subjects for competitive degrees like Medicine (hint: it's not what you might think!) and Economics.
• The surprising GCSE requirements (like the language trap) that can disqualify you from top universities like UCL.
• How to build an A-Level portfolio that stands out in the high-stakes competition for elite institutions.

 Disclaimer: We strongly recommend conducting your own research and looking specifically at the requirements for your target universities and courses, as prerequisites and preferences can change. 

🔗 Important Links for Maths Competitions

• JMC / JMO / IMC / SMC – UKMT Competitions
  👉 ukmt.org.uk
• ROXbridge Maths Challenge – No school participation required
  👉 oxbridgeinstitute.co.uk/plus/roxbridge
• 🔗 Important Links for University Maths Tests
  • MAT – Maths Admissions Test (Oxford)
    👉 maths.ox.ac.uk
  • TMUA – Test of Mathematics for University Admission (Cambridge)
    👉 undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

🔗 Important Links for UCAS Points

• UCAS Tariff Points Calculator
  Quickly check how many points each qualification earns.
  👉 https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
• UCAS Points Tables by Qualification
  See how A-levels, BTECs, IB, and others convert into UCAS points.
  👉 https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/ucas-points

🎙️ Welcome to Schools With Sumit, the podcast that brings clarity to the UK school system and empowers families to make informed choices.

In this episode, we explore the exciting and often overlooked world of Maths Challenges — from early enrichment to Olympiad-level contests.

You’ll learn:

• Why Maths Challenges are a powerful tool for building confidence and curiosity
• A breakdown of the most popular and accessible competitions across age groups
• How these contests connect to university admissions and long-term academic pathways

Whether your child is just starting out or already thriving in Maths, this episode offers practical insights for families looking to enrich their journey.

🔗 Important Links for Maths Competitions

• JMC / JMO / IMC / SMC – UKMT Competitions
  👉 ukmt.org.uk
• ROXbridge Maths Challenge – No school participation required
  👉 oxbridgeinstitute.co.uk/plus/roxbridge
• 🔗 Important Links for University Maths Tests
  • MAT – Maths Admissions Test (Oxford)
    👉 maths.ox.ac.uk
  • TMUA – Test of Mathematics for University Admission (Cambridge)
    👉 undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

🔗 Important Links for UCAS Points

• UCAS Tariff Points Calculator
  Quickly check how many points each qualification earns.
  👉 https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
• UCAS Points Tables by Qualification
  See how A-levels, BTECs, IB, and others convert into UCAS points.
  👉 https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/ucas-points

Welcome to Schools With Sumit, the podcast that brings clarity to the UK school system and empowers families to make informed choices. In this first episode, we tackle the often confusing world of university admissions — starting with UCAS points.

You’ll learn:

• What UCAS points are and why they matter
• How students can start building them early through enrichment and qualifications
• The difference between UCAS points-based and grade-based university offers
• Why extracurriculars still count — even when they don’t carry points

Whether you're a parent planning ahead or a student aiming high, this episode sets the foundation for a smarter, calmer journey to university.

🔗 Important Links for Maths Competitions

• JMC / JMO / IMC / SMC – UKMT Competitions
  👉 ukmt.org.uk
• ROXbridge Maths Challenge – No school participation required
  👉 oxbridgeinstitute.co.uk/plus/roxbridge
• 🔗 Important Links for University Maths Tests
  • MAT – Maths Admissions Test (Oxford)
    👉 maths.ox.ac.uk
  • TMUA – Test of Mathematics for University Admission (Cambridge)
    👉 undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

🔗 Important Links for UCAS Points

• UCAS Tariff Points Calculator
  Quickly check how many points each qualification earns.
  👉 https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
• UCAS Points Tables by Qualification
  See how A-levels, BTECs, IB, and others convert into UCAS points.
  👉 https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/ucas-points