T levels are a new set of qualifications in the UK offered as a practical alternative to students who have just finished their GCSEs and are deciding what they would like to do next. They sit in between A levels and apprenticeships, with classroom-based learning remaining the core aspect but with a work placement added in.
Despite their differences, T levels are an equivalent to A levels and are worth UCAS points. For example, a Distinction* holds the same weight as 3 A*’s achieved at A level. The award is recognised nationally and will allow for progression both into employment and further education (university).
For those not wanting to take an intense academic route such as A levels, T levels provide vocational skills and incorporate work experience into the qualification with a requirement for at least 315 hours (45-days) of industrial placement to be undertaken.
The courses are designed by employers and therefore provide students with the skills necessary to enter the workplace effectively.
The overall certificate is graded on the scale of pass, merit, distinction and distinction* for study across the 2 years.
The overall grade is determined by combining the core component (graded from A* to E) and each occupational specialism (graded from pass to distinction).
Completion of the industrial placement is also mandatory in order to achieve the qualification.
T levels were initially launched in September 2020 with some subjects available to start now. However, more options will become available from September 2022 onwards.
In the coming years, there will be 20 courses to choose from including education and childcare to surveying and design.
Please see below for a full list.
| Available now | Available from September 2022 onwards |
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Over 250 businesses have signed up to support T levels by offering placements to supplement classroom-based learning.
A minimum of 315 hours are required but students can undertake more hours if they would like to.
The format of when the placement is undertaken will likely be decided by the employer. This could be either a block or singular days over a period of time.
Firstly, they are more classroom-based. An apprenticeship is predominantly on-the-job training with approximately 80% of the qualification occurring in the workplace. Whereas a much smaller proportion (315 hours or approximately 45 days) of T levels is spent at a place of work.
Because of this, an apprenticeship is more suited to students who wish to earn whilst they are learning and would like to enter the workforce at 16.
For those who require additional preparation before undertaking a T level, a transition programme is available. This is a 1-year programme for students once they have completed their GCSEs, providing support in English, maths and digital skills.
