CRITICALLY THINK
CREATE COMMUNICATE
MAKE AN IMPACT
Academic results matter, but international university applications increasingly require students to demonstrate much more than examination performance. The Actonit Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) gives ambitious students the opportunity to become accomplished public speakers and demonstrate independence, intellectual curiosity and social responsibility through a substantial project of their own.
This Advanced Level Qualification is accredited by leading international Awarding Organisation Pearson. The program is delivered in partnership with Act On It UK. Students receive guidance from professional experts with specialist knowledge of what high-quality assessed work looks like.
The EPQ is a standalone qualification greatly valued by UK universities and worth half an A Level
Who is it for?
This program is for students aged 16 to 18 years, who would like to take an additional international qualification to secure UCAS points and/or support their international university applications. The qualification is renowned for preparing learners for university, and developing the communication, creative and critical thinking skills needed to succeed.
What is the program?
- A one-year program.
- Blended face to face and online delivery
- 4 face to face group sessions
- 18 live sessions and 18 recorded sessions.
We will support you to:
- develop confident communication and oracy
- develop an ambitious independent project based on your own passions and interests
- explore issues of social responsibility
- undertake and apply rigorous research
- think critically and independently
- manage a substantial piece of work
- present complex ideas with clarity
- respond confidently to questions
- reflect on your learning and development
- complete a project you can genuinely talk about in university applications and interview
How is it assessed?
A coursework qualification, with no exams. Submissions are entered and assessed by Act On It UK and externally moderated by Pearson.
Key dates?
Start in December 2026, for entry in January 2027
and confirmation of results March 2028
Program Fees (including registration and certification – so no hidden extras)
Payment in four instalments – Call / contact us for more information
Program Directors
Founding Director, Act On It UK & Act On It Foundation India
Helen Turner is an established authority in project-based learning, curriculum leadership and assessment, with a distinguished career spanning senior education leadership, teaching, assessment and the development of innovative learning programmes.
Alongside her leadership of Act On It, Helen holds multiple Senior Assessment roles for leading UK Awarding Organisations, giving her extensive expertise in assessment design, quality assurance and the standards required for recognised qualifications. Her experience provides a unique insight into how high-quality project work can demonstrate academic rigour while developing the skills valued by universities and employers.
Helen holds an M.A. in Arts Management. Following a professional career as an actor, she led a UK Further Education College Performing Arts department to become a Centre of Vocational Excellence, progressing to Curriculum Manager for the Sixth Form College. These senior leadership roles gave her extensive experience of curriculum development, quality assurance and preparing young people for higher education and professional life.
In 2004, Helen co-founded Act On It, bringing together her experience in education, the arts and social impact. Since then, she has helped establish Act On It as a leader in project-based learning, developing programmes recognised for their quality, innovation and impact.
Helen’s particular strength lies in combining academic rigour with creative methodologies — enabling students to take ownership of substantial projects while developing confidence, critical thinking, creativity, communication and independent learning skills.
Founding Director, Act On It UK & Act On It Foundation India
Rachel combines senior leadership of Act On It UK and Actonit Foundation with extensive experience in qualification assessment, development and delivery across Academic, Vocational and Project Qualifications for leading UK Awarding Organisations.
As a Senior Assessor, Rachel brings first-hand expertise in the standards, assessment and quality requirements that underpin recognised qualifications. She has also designed and delivered professional development and training for schools and colleges, giving her a distinctive understanding of how ambitious learners can develop the skills needed to succeed academically and professionally.
Rachel has led the development of Act On It’s innovative education and social-impact programmes internationally, building partnerships and managing projects from conception through to delivery. Her work has included developing teacher professional development programmes overseas, as well as extensive experience in partnership working, bid writing and project development, implementation and management.
Before founding Act On It, Rachel graduated in Drama and Theatre Studies, gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Acting, and worked professionally as an actor. She subsequently gained her teaching qualification and went on to lead a large Performing Arts Department in a UK Further Education college.
Founding Director Actonit Foundation India, Director Act On It UK
Hem Singh is a Jaipur-based cultural and tourism professional and programme leader, with extensive experience in heritage, multilingual communication and community-focused cultural initiatives. In his Volunteer Director role, he uses his deep understanding of the Indian cultural and educational context to support the Actonit Foundation
Hem first connected with Act On It UK in 2025 and immediately recognised the potential of its distinctive approach to drama, project-based learning and skills development. He was instrumental in bringing the Act On It model to India, with a particular focus on using creative education and Project Qualifications to increase student engagement, confidence and achievement.
His professional experience in cultural and heritage tourism has developed strong skills in communication, partnership working, organisation and cross-cultural engagement. He is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to develop their ideas, express themselves confidently and take greater ownership of their learning.