CPSQ for schools

Understand student behaviour to support educational success

The CPSQ for schools is based on well-researched personal styles of behaviour that are known to support performance in education and work. These include:

• Thinking – intellectual curiosity and open thinking; the building blocks for critical thinking and problem solving.
• Study – self-management and motivation to achieve; skills that support academic success and independent learning.
• Coping – resilience and adaptability to demands; skills that students will need in life and in particular during and after lockdown.
• Communication and Collaboration – social interactions and approach to working with others; skills desired by higher education institutions and the workplace.

Why use CPSQ for schools?

CPSQ for schools is designed to help you support your students throughout their study of Cambridge Upper Secondary and Advanced qualifications, helping to develop study behaviours and equip them for their future. It allows you to:

• focus and tailor student support and mentoring programmes
• understand hidden barriers to achievement
• identify students in need of extra support
• encourage personal development in your students.

CPSQ can also be used alongside the Cambridge Global Perspectives programme, which is designed to help students develop transferable skills such as group work, collaboration, and communication.

The CPSQ report

Responses to Thinking, Study and Coping produce a score on a one to five scale. The higher a score, the more likely it is that current behaviours are effective and support progress. Within each competency, learners may have stronger and weaker areas, which are signposted in three possible feedback categories: Positive, Neutral and Improvement points.

Communication and Collaboration are two competencies that establish and maintain relationships. They are not scored because all interpersonal styles have strengths and weaknesses, and therefore a higher score would not necessarily indicate better behaviour.

The report provides personal feedback highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each behaviour.

Read a sample report (PDF, 1MB)

Using your CPSQ report results

We are trialling materials to support the effective use of CPSQ. They are designed to be used alongside the CPSQ for schools report. We have started by creating some general resources and support material for the Coping with demands competency. We will be adding to these resources to cover all of the competency areas, based on feedback.

These resources are free to use and can be accessed by anyone. They can be used by the student, with their teacher, or as part of a group activity with other students taking CPSQ.

Access the support materials

The CPSQ online platform

The questionnaire can be taken online and at any location. It is quick and easy to set up and share with individuals. The platform lets you:

• invite, manage and monitor the progress of individuals with ease
• access individual and group reports for analysis
• share and discuss the results with individuals using on-screen reports
• control who is able to review the reports.

How to access CPSQ

Your School Coordinator can order CPSQ from the Extra Services area on the School Support Hub. Once the order has been placed, we will contact you within 10 days to set up your account.

There is a fee per assessment for CPSQ for schools. There is a discounted rate the more assessments you order.

Order CPSQ for schools