T Levels are technical-based qualifications in England, developed in collaboration with employers and businesses, with content that meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training, or study.
T Levels are two-year courses which can be studied by 16-18 year olds after finishing their studies at GCSE level.[1] T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.[2] They are the responsibility of the Minister of State for Skills in the Department for Education.[3]
The concept of a unified technical qualification with equal status to A-levels was first raised in a government-commissioned review by Lord Sainsbury. This major education change was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, in his budget statement in 2017.[4] The proposal was tentatively welcomed by professionals. In September 2020 there were 193 colleges planning to offer some T Levels by 2022. The first qualifications were awarded in August 2022.[5]
Speaking at the October 2023 Conservative Party Conference, Rishi Sunak announced that T Levels and A Levels would be merged to form the Advanced British Standard (ABS).[6] However, the proposed ABS was scrapped by Rachel Reeves after the 2024 United Kingdom general election on financial grounds,[7] so this will not occur.
The aim of a T Level qualification is to improve the teaching and administration of technical education which will enable students to directly enter employment on completion of a programme in further education or sixth form. These qualifications will be a mix of theoretical work learnt in the classroom in a Further Education (FE) College or in a sixth form in a secondary school and two industry practical placements with employers working in partnership with the college or sixth form.[4] The T Levels will be a Level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Students can expect to gain
Students can expect to be taught the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and Digital skills. Soft-skills are also embedded into the courses. This will be classroom based. They will learn as well the specialised skills necessary to embark in a career in their chosen field, spending 80% of the overall course in the classroom and the other 20% in a "meaningful industry placement",[9] offering training and 45 days of work experience.[1] The total programme time for the course should be over 1900 hours.[4]
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has said that the highest T Level qualification, a starred distinction, will be worth the equivalent of three A*s at A Level when a student is being considered for a place in higher education,[10] giving them 168 UCAS points; the highest A Level result is worth 56 points.[11]
As announced in 2017, it is envisaged that there will be 15 pathways:[12]
Within these pathways there are multiple specific courses.[12][13]Digital, construction, education and childcare courses were launched in September 2020, and Health and Science courses in September 2021.[8]
As of September 2021, the following T Levels are available:[14]