T Level

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, and not the Secretary of State for Education, in his budget statement in 2013.[3] The proposal was tentatively welcomed by professionals, who pointed out a tight time schedule and operational difficulties.

As of September 2020, there were 193 colleges planning to offer some T Levels by 2022.

The aim of the new T Levels is to improve the teaching and administration of technical education which will enable students to directly enter employment on completion of Sixth Form. These qualifications will be a mix of theoretical work learnt in the classroom in a Sixth Form in a secondary school and two industry practical placements with local employers working in partnership with the Sixth Form.[3] The T Levels will be a Level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

Students can expect to gain

• a broad knowledge; with skills and behaviours necessary for employment in an occupation or industry related to their field of study
• an opportunity to develop specialist technical skills relevant to at least one occupation
• the relevant maths, English and digital skills.[4]

Students can expect to be taught the core subjects of English, Maths and Digital skills. 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",[5] offering training and 45 days of work experience.[1] It has already been decided that the total programme time for the course should be over 1900 hours.[3]

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, giving them 168 UCAS points; the highest A Level result is worth 56 points.[6] However are their own admission authorities and may not accept this opinion. In September 2019, the most prestigeous, the Russell Group universities were not prepared to validate a T Level, until they had seen the full specification of each course. For the 2020 intake- that wouldn't be available be available till late spring[7]

As announced in 2017, it is envisaged that there will be 15 pathways:[8]

With in these pathways there will be multiple more specific courses.[8] Digital, construction, education and childcare courses will launch in September 2020. Health and Science courses will launch in September 2021.[4]

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