STUDENTS who completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at Priestley College have seen their university grade requirements lowered.

Many universities reduce offers for candidates who do well in the independent project because it demonstrates that they can conduct research into their own area of study.

Grace Duffy, who achieved an A* with her EPQ on the bleaching of the coral reefs, had her original offer from Birmingham reduced from an A to a B in each A-level..

The former Penketh High School pupil said: “It is great news for me because Birmingham was my first choice to study a masters in Geology with a year abroad.

“I wanted to do my best in the EPQ anyway, but it definitely gave me more motivation knowing it could influence my offer.”

The EPQ allows students to choose their own topics and titles for a project and most complete a dissertation of at least 6,000 words, an investigation, experiment or performance.

Almost half of the students who take the course alongside their other A-levels and BTECs at Priestley secure A* or A and two thirds achieve a grade B or above.

Former Sir Thomas Boteler student, Daniel James, also completed his EPQ early and received a reduced university offer.

He said: “EPQ has helped me to develop numerous skills like the ability to collate and critically analyse a selection of useful sources and giving an effective and efficient presentation.

“Delivering my presentation also greatly increased my confidence when presenting to, or speaking in front of, a group.”

For aspiring chemical engineer Ben Hilton, the project was a chance to write about a vast area of research in his chosen field.

He investigated whether hydrogen fuel cells are the best option to power transport.

The A* grade he achieved meant that one of his grade requirements for studying chemical engineering at university was reduced from an A to B.