Global Social Leaders EPQ

The Global Social Leaders EPQ allows pupils to explore pressing global issues challenges while gaining an academic qualification which is highly valued by universities and employers. Pupils will have the chance to examine issues such as access to education, climate action, or gender equality, and design research projects and solutions inspired by their own communities or personal passions. Through their project work they will learn and demonstrate crucial academic skills, including research, critical thinking, and independent study skills, which are highly valued at the university level. Alongside academic exploration, students will develop and evaluate a social action project that address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The GSL EPQ course is created in partnership with Future Foundations, the organisation that runs Global Social Leaders, an award-winning youth leadership and social action programme. Pupils enrolled in the course will benefit from comprehensive online support from both Highgrove Education and the GSL team at Future Foundations.

This online EPQ course will help pupils develop essential skills such as academic writing, project management, and public speaking. Students will gain access to additional GSL live sessions, training tools and opportunities. At the end of the course, each student will present their project to a live audience, fostering real-world communication and presentation skills. The projects will be published on GSL’s website, and all students will be invited to write a guest blog capturing their learning journey which will also be published on the GSL website. The projects will be eligible to enter the GSL Global Goals competition, which will provide additional global recognition.

Key Information

What you’ll study

Entry Requirements

Assessment Information


Qualification	Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Qualification
Exam board	Edexcel
Submission available	January and June

There are four types of EPQ projects available.

Unit 1: Dissertation

A theoretical written project on any topic presenting an argument, e.g. research into a specific issue

Unit 2: Investigation/Field Study

A practical investigatory project involving the collection of data, e.g. a scientific investigation, a biological study of pollution, a statistical survey

Unit 3: Performance

Development of practical skills resulting in a performance, e.g. performing drama

Unit 4: Artefact

For example, creating a website, solving an engineering/construction problem, producing a piece of graphic design.

Learners are required to:

select a topic/area of interest for an in-depth study that provides opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding, and to negotiate with their project supervisor the scope of that project
identify and draft an objective(s) for their project (e.g. in the form of a question, hypothesis, problem, challenge, outline of proposed performance, issue to be investigated or commission for a client) and provide a rationale for their choice
produce a plan for how they will deliver their intended outcome
conduct research as required by the project brief
Deliver a Social Action Project – In line with GSL expectations, learners are required to design and implement a social action project that contributes towards one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project should demonstrate:
- A clear link to the selected Global Goal(s)
- A commitment to positive social and/or environmental change
develop the intended outcome using selected tools and techniques safely, demonstrating the ability to pursue an extended project through to completion
share the outcome of the project in a presentation, including an evaluation of the outcome and their own learning and performance.

For more information, take a look at the Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Qualification here.

Either

A pass in the Highgrove Online School admissions test for the Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Specification

Or

A strong set of GCSE grades, including several at grade 7 or above

Progression to University

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) can significantly boost a university application. It demonstrates to admissions teams that you possess crucial skills, including research, critical thinking, and independent study, which are highly valued at the university level. It can also provide evidence of your commitment to a specific field or topic, showcasing your passion and dedication. Many universities acknowledge the EPQ in their offers, sometimes reducing grade requirements. The qualification is particularly useful for courses that require strong analytical and research skills, such as humanities, social sciences, and other research-intensive fields. Moreover, it can be a differentiator for highly competitive programs or those where a broader perspective is beneficial, such as law, medicine, and engineering. Ultimately, it’s a valuable asset that can set you apart in the competitive university application process.

Progression to the World of Work

In today’s rapidly changing world, employers are looking for more than just qualifications; they want problem-solvers, collaborators and purpose-driven thinkers. The GSL EPQ develops future-ready skills including leadership, communication, initiative, resilience, and social influence which the World Economic Forum has highlighted as among the top skills for the future. By designing and delivering a real-world project, students gain hands-on experience in project planning, community engagement, and impact measurement, all of which are highly transferable and valued by employers across sectors.

By completing the GSL EPQ, young people are not only gaining a respected qualification — they’re building a portfolio of purpose-driven experience that will set them apart, whether applying to university or stepping into the world of work.

This qualification is assessed internally by the project supervisor, with marks awarded subject to Pearson’s quality assurance processes. Pupils are assessed on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project.

The EPQ requires pupils to be self-directed, reflective and self-motivated – key qualities for any budding leader. The Global Social Leaders EPQ helps pupils develop the skills that the World Economic Forum predicts will be the most in-demand by the year 2030. This includes:

Creative thinking
Resilience, flexibility, and agility
Leadership and social influence
Environmental stewardship

How We Support EPQ Students

On the Highgrove Education and Global Social Leaders EPQ programme, pupils are guided through every stage. The structured online programme includes:

A Global Social Leaders Induction: A live induction session from the Global Social Leaders team to introduce learners to the programme and to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Comprehensive Lessons: 22 live sessions and 22 self-study sessions covering key skills such as research methods, academic writing, and effective presentation techniques.
One-to-One Supervision: Fortnightly meetings with experienced supervisors provide tailored guidance.
Global Social Leaders Support: including training and coaching on projects and additional recognition through the GSL Global Goals Competition and opportunities for collaboration on an international basis with other Global Social Leaders.
Confidence-Building Presentations: Students present their projects to an audience, developing communication and public speaking skills.
Flexible Timelines: Start dates in January and September ensure the course fits alongside other commitments.

Find out more about the new Global Social Leaders EPQ by booking a call with our Admissions Team.