Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

More pupils top up A-levels with project to land university place

 

Richard Garner
Friday 24 August 2012 18:45 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Growing numbers of independent school pupils are topping up their A-levels in an effort to secure university places, it can be revealed today.

Figures supplied by the Independent Schools Council show a 25 per cent increase in the number of pupils studying for an essay-style project on top of their A-levels. Under the Extended Project Qualification, students study a project in-depth alongside their A-levels to impress university admissions tutors. Figures show 2,107 pupils in 210 schools took the qualification – widely recognised by universities – compared with 1,573 at 159 last year.

Vincent Darby, headteacher of Wolverhampton Grammar School, said: "The students really get their teeth into the research.

"It prepares them better for university and impresses tutors."

In addition, more private schools are opting to put their pupils in for rival qualifications to A-levels – such as the International Baccalaureate.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in