The EPQ mark scheme, explained for maths projects
Every board marks the EPQ against four assessment objectives (AOs): managing the project, using resources, developing and realising it, and reviewing it. The process is marked as well as the final product, so your log, plan and evaluation matter as much as the maths.
What each objective looks like in a maths project
| Objective | In a maths EPQ, show… |
|---|---|
| AO1 Manage | A focused title and aims, a realistic plan with milestones, and evidence you monitored progress and changed course when a proof or model did not work. |
| AO2 Use resources | A range of sources (books, lecture notes, papers, data), judged for reliability, with the maths taken from them understood and connected, not just quoted. |
| AO3 Develop and realise | The mathematics itself: derivations, proofs, models, analysis or the artefact, with decisions explained and problems solved, leading to an outcome that meets your aims. |
| AO4 Review | An honest evaluation of the outcome and of your own process and learning, and a clear presentation that answers questions well. |
Board by board
| AQA (7993) | Pearson Edexcel | WJEC/Eduqas | OCR (H857) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided learning hours | 120 | 120 | 120 | See OCR's H857 page (first teaching 2017; specification Version 2.1, June 2026) |
| Grades | A* to E | A* to E | A* to E | |
| Dissertation length | About 5,000 words | Estimated 5,000 to 6,000 words | At least 5,000 words (guidance in WJEC's 2019–20 FAQ) | |
| With an artefact | A research-based written report of at least 1,000 words | Unit 4 (Artefact): report estimated at 1,500 to 3,000 words | See the specification | |
| Marks | 50: AO1 10, AO2 10, AO3 20, AO4 10 | Dissertation unit: 54 (AO1 9, AO2 12, AO3 24, AO4 9) | 100 | |
| Record and presentation | Production Log and Assessment Record; live presentation to a non-specialist audience, with questions | Activity log; presentation to an audience, with questions | See the specification |
Grades and UCAS points
The EPQ is graded A* to E (AQA , Pearson and WJEC/Eduqas ). AQA describes it as worth half an A level (AQA's EPQ page ). On the UCAS Tariff : A* 28, A 24, B 20, C 16, D 12, E 8 points. Marking is done by your centre and moderated by the board.
Where maths students lose marks (our experience)
- Too much maths copied in, not enough explained: AO3 rewards your decisions and analysis.
- A log written at the end: AO1 and AO4 need a record made as you go.
- A conclusion that does not answer the title.
- An evaluation of the topic but not of your own process.
Frequently asked questions
How many marks is the EPQ out of?
It depends on the board: AQA 50, WJEC/Eduqas 100 and Pearson's Dissertation unit 54. For OCR, see its H857 specification. The weighting is similar: the 'develop and realise' objective is the largest.
Is the EPQ marked by my teacher?
Your centre marks it, using the board's criteria, and the board moderates a sample of the centre's marking.
What is AO3 in the EPQ?
Develop and realise: using skills and solving problems to carry out the project and reach your planned outcome. In a maths EPQ that is mainly the mathematics and the decisions you made.
Your EPQ must be your own work. These pages coach: ideas, structure, checklists and planning. Submitting text, proofs, code or analysis written by someone else or by an AI tool as your own is malpractice. How to use help and AI honestly.