HPQ

What if one project could make you fall in love with learning—and with planning, creating, and presenting—in a whole new way?

The HPQ at Wellington School turns curiosity into action, giving you the space to ask ambitious questions, design something original, and carry a challenging idea from first spark to final showcase.

What could your project be—and where will it take you? Led by our Head of Projects, Miss Sass—an experienced EPQ leader now offering HPQ and, soon, FPQ to younger years—you will choose a unique title that sits beyond GCSE specification content and must not overlap with a GCSE topic. Your project might be an extended essay, a created artefact, or even an event; you can work solo or in a group (with individual contributions clearly identified). Our track record speaks for itself: 100% A–A* in HPQ from 2020–2025. All HPQ students are also invited to share their journey at our Project Showcase where, alongside EPQ students, you will host a stall, meet visitors who come and go, inspire younger pupils, answer great questions, and reflect on the path you have taken.

How and when will you complete it—and what support will you receive? The HPQ is introduced in the summer term of Year 9 through focused skills sessions in lessons—evaluating sources, planning, and reflective logging—after which you develop your project with structured, in-person supervision at the centre. Regular meetings with Miss Sass or your allocated supervisor are the primary layer of support, complemented by workshops with fellow HPQ students. Our bespoke Firefly HPQ page, a printed training booklet, and a purpose-built online course created by Miss Sass provide additional resources to back up, not replace, this face-to-face guidance. Most students complete by the end of Year 10; the final deadline is March of Year 11.

Who examines the HPQ and what does it count as? We use Pearson Edexcel, chosen for its flexibility with titles and transparent marking criteria, which are shared with students from the outset. The HPQ is a Level 2 qualification, broadly equivalent in time commitment and status to half a GCSE.

Bring your big idea—and the courage to chase it. We’ll help you turn it into something unforgettable