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T Level

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Not to be confused with Technical Level.
T-level
TypeTechnical education
Year started2020
Duration2 years
RegionsEngland
LanguagesEnglish language
Websitewww.tlevels.gov.uk

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]

History

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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.

Aim and content

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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

  • 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 English, Maths, Science and Digital skills.[8]

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]

Reaction

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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]

Pathways

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As announced in 2017, it is envisaged that there will be 15 pathways:[12]

  • Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
  • Business and Administrative
  • Catering and Hospitality
  • Childcare and Education
  • Construction
  • Creative and Design
  • Digital
  • Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Health and Science
  • Legal, Finance and Accounting
  • Protective Services
  • Sales, Marketing and Procurement
  • Social Care
  • Transport and Logistics

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]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "T-levels: what are they and how will they work?". i News. 6 March 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  2. ^ "The Institutes role in T-levels". instituteforapprenticeships.org.
  3. ^ "Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills - GOV.UK". gov.uk. Government Digital Service. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "'T-levels' aim to improve technical education and improve UK productivity". The Guardian. 9 March 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  5. ^ "T Level results: academic year 2021 to 2022". GOV.UK. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  6. ^ "Advanced British Standard: Sunak qualification will replace A-levels and T-levels". BBC News. 4 October 2023.
  7. ^ Reeves, R., Chancellor statement on public spending inheritance, published on 29 July 2024, accessed on 15 September 2024
  8. ^ a b "What are T Levels?". nhsemployers.org. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  9. ^ HM Government, T Levels: the next level qualification, accessed 4 December 2020
  10. ^ Bryan (2 November 2023). "Study T Levels In The UK: Here's All You Need To Know". Britannia UK. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  11. ^ "New T-level study to be worth three A-levels". BBC News. BBC. 20 August 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  12. ^ a b Gathercole, Gemma (6 March 2017). "11 things you need to know about 'T-Levels'". Schools Week. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  13. ^ "Introduction of T Levels". gov.uk. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  14. ^ GOV.UK https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students/subjects
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