DD1 is in year 11 so we are looking at sixth form options. There are two realistic options and one of the differences between them is that the first encourages more able students to do an EPQ and the other doesn't.
School 1 says the EPQ is a good way to demonstrate passion for your subject, gives you something to talk about at university interviews and is a great chance to explore your interests outside the curriculum. This seemed entirely plausible until we went to school 2, where the teacher in charge of Oxbridge preparation who said they don't offer it because universities aren't that interested and students are better to focus on A level results.
DD1 is extremely able and contemplating applying to Oxbridge - probably in the sciences. I like the idea of her being able to do something that doesn't have a set curriculum. She's pretty self motivated and I think it would be good for her to have the opportunity to go a bit off piste. I'm interested in others' experience.