T levels explained
What are T levels?
T levels are a type of technical further education offered at schools and colleges in England. The ‘T’ stands for technical and the subjects are wide ranging, including agriculture, catering, engineering and science. The idea is that T levels will not only provide more choice around technical pathways, but that they will also be on a par academically with A levels.
Unlike A levels which are entirely classroom based, T levels involve 80 per cent classroom learning and 20 per cent industry placement. This means a T level student will receive at least nine weeks hands-on experience working for an employer.
So, if by the time you reach the end of your GCSEs you have a good idea of what you want to do in your future career and are keen to get started in the workplace in a more practical, hands-on way, T levels could be your educational utopia.
What do T levels involve?
The government developed T levels in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the curriculum content meets industry needs. Students study for an average of 1,800 hours over two years, including a work placement. The content is based on the same standards as apprenticeships. The components are:
an approved technical qualification that provides technical knowledge and practical skills specific to a learner's chosen industry or occupation
A work placement of at least 45 days in the chosen industry or occupation
English, maths and digital requirements (English and maths at a minimum of level 2)
Transferable workplace skills
At the end of the course you get a nationally recognised certificate showing your overall grade – pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. The certificate will also give details of what you learned on the course to help you move into skilled employment or a higher apprenticeship.
Are T levels recognised by universities?
T level students can go directly into employment, a higher apprenticeship scheme or on to university; T levels attract UCAS points in line with 3 A levels, as shown here:
UCAS tariff points | T Level overall grade | A Level equivalent |
|---|---|---|
168 | Distinction* (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism) | AAA* |
144 | Distinction | AAA |
120 | Merit | BBB |
96 | Pass (C or above on the core) | CCC |
72 | Pass (D or E on the core) | DDD |
Where can I take T levels?
T levels were first offered in September 2020 at selected schools and colleges across England. 21 courses are currently available at nearly 400 state maintained schools and colleges across England. They are not currently offered by any private school. See here for more details on subjects offered.
What’s wrong with T levels?
Some educationalists are concerned that T levels lead to specialism at too early a stage in a young person’s life and ultimately reduce options such as accessing higher education. However, since their launch, applicants with T levels have been accepted into universities. In the 2024 cycle, 97 per cent of T level students who applied for university places received at least one offer. Time will tell how useful a qualification it is for those pursuing a university education.
Other critics feel that the government may have rushed the process of design, consultation and development and believe that T levels will only stand the test of time as a credible and high quality vocational route if there is enough focus on the foundation stage.
There is also concern that employer buy-in is low. The success of the qualification is dependent on employers offering high quality work placements. And who will ensure that this training is taught to a consistently high standard? For more information, visit the UK government’s T levels website.
