Academic awards and competitions

The EPQ stands for Extended Project Qualification. It is equivalent to an AS qualification and awarded UCAS points depending on the grades achieved. It is graded from A*- U and is a strong addition to students´ profile. It also offers UCAS points which are points which can contribute towards application to university in the UK, and many universities will offer a lower grade entry criteria for students who have completed and secured a good EPQ grade.

This qualification involves independent research for information, reading articles, synthesising them, writing the dissertation, reference accordingly and presenting the findings to a group of peers: These are useful skills in preparation for university which is why it is so valued by them across the world.

The CREST award is very similar in nature to the above EPQ, although it is a smaller research project than the EPQ and does not offer UCAS points (contribute to university applications in the UK). It can take four different forms and be either an academic research project, a practical investigation design and make project.

It is possible to undertake a project in the following subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Design technology
• Economics
• Electronics
• Engineering
• English
• Environmental science
• Geography
• History
• Maths
• Physics
• Psychology
• Sociology

The John Locke Institute encourages young people to cultivate the characteristics that turn good students into great writers: independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style. Our Essay Competition invites students to explore a wide range of challenging and interesting questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum.

Entering an essay in our competition can build knowledge, and refine skills of argumentation. It also gives students the chance to have their work assessed by experts. All of the essay prizes are judged by a panel of senior academics drawn from leading universities including Oxford and Princeton, under the leadership of the Chairman of Examiners, Prof Terence Kealey.

The judges will choose their favourite essay from each of seven subject categories – Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology and Law – and then select the winner of the Grand Prize for the best entry in any subject.

The International Psychology Olympiad (IPsyO) is an annual competition for high school/ A level students. In bringing together gifted students, the IPsyO competition challenges and stimulates these students to expand their talents and potential to become the next generation of leaders in mind and behavior science.

Minds Underground Psychology Essay Competition; From the organisers of the International Psychology Olympiad comes another opportunity for students to delve deeper into the field of psychology. They can choose to undertake a research project, or enter for an internationally recognised essay competition which sets intriguing and stimulating topical questions such as: “To what extent do social media platforms shape human behaviour?” or “Can psychology fully explain consciousness?”

Perfect for any student who wishes to prepare for a degree in this subject.

International subject competitions which shape students’ resilience and motivation and enable students to evidence proficiency in science and mathematics. These Olympiads challenge students to apply their knowledge creatively and analytically to solve complex problems, often beyond the standard school curriculum. Participation promotes critical thinking, perseverance, and independent learning. Success in these competitions is highly regarded by universities and can open doors to scholarships and academic opportunities. They also foster collaboration and international exchange, as students often compete alongside peers from around the world. Overall, STEM Olympiads help nurture future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

The UKMT (United Kingdom Mathematics Trust) competition is a prestigious national maths challenge designed to inspire a love of problem-solving and logical thinking among students. It offers various levels of difficulty to cater to students of different ages and abilities, from the Junior Challenge to the Senior Maths Olympiad. Taking part in UKMT helps students develop critical thinking, resilience, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum. It encourages independent learning and intellectual curiosity, while also providing recognition through certificates and invitations to follow-on rounds for high achievers, boosting confidence and academic motivation.

Coding competition hosted by Schiller University, Madrid. Virtus College competes against other schools in Madrid where teams face coding challenges set by Schiller University. The event encourages innovation, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving as students collaborate under time pressure to develop creative solutions. Participants enhance their programming, algorithmic thinking, and project development skills while gaining exposure to industry-relevant tools and technologies. The competitive yet supportive environment fosters confidence and communication skills. Additionally, the Hackathon provides valuable networking opportunities with university staff and peers, offering insights into future academic and career paths in technology and computer science.

English proficiency test which meets the criteria of international universities worldwide who now increasingly ask for evidence from students that their level of English is sufficient. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) assesses four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Preparing for the test helps students build confidence in their communication abilities and refine their academic English. A strong IELTS score enhances university applications, visa processes, and future job prospects in English-speaking countries. It also encourages a deeper understanding of language use in academic and everyday contexts, making it a valuable qualification for globally minded students.