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

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.