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What are T Levels?


:beard: All you need to know about T Levels :beard:


As part of the government's Industrial Strategy, a new type of qualification is being introduced. The information below should help you get your head around what T Levels will entail and whether they might be a good option for you....

What are T Levels?
T Levels are a new post-16 study programme. They are Level 3 programmes and considered to be a more vocational alternative to academic study routes (such as A-levels).

It basically means that once you complete your GCSEs, you could opt to complete an apprenticeship, A-levels/BTEC or now T Levels.

T levels cover a range of occupational areas and teach you the skills and knowledge you need to start a career in this type of job.

What does a T Level course include?

A T Level programme comprises of the following:

A main, approved qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels - this will include a core component (which will be the same across all available courses) and specialist component relevant to the area of industry

Industry placement (45 days / 315 hours minimum)

Maths, English and digital applications

Occupation-specific applications

Further employability, enrichment and pastoral opportunities


Is a T Level right for me?
If you’re keen to make your learning relevant to a particular type of job rather than following an academic route (like A Levels) then a T Level could work for you. Most T Levels are likely to require GCSE grades of 4 and above but do check with the college or school first.


How are T Levels assessed?

There will be a minimum of one assessment 'series' for the core and specialist components. This can be one series to cover both components or one series per component (i.e. one series for the core and one for the specialisms). You may also have additional assessment series. Unlike A-levels and equivalent, the assessments do not need to take place at the same time of year.

You will be awarded an overall grade for the T Level that can range from a Pass to a Distinction*. The only difference is that the Pass has been split into two categories: Pass (C or above on the core component) and Pass (D/E on the core).

What career areas do T Levels cover and when can you study them?

T Levels are being phased in from next year, with the following courses starting in Autumn 2020:

Other industries and sectors will be added from 2021 onwards, including:

Legal, Finance and Accounting

Engineering and Manufacturing

Health and Science

Hair and Beauty

Media, Broadcast and Production

Management and Administration

Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care

Catering and Hospitality

Business and Administrative

Craft and Design


Where can you study T Levels?
T Levels will be offered by many colleges, schools, and other providers. You can search for a provider offering the first set of T Levels (available from 2020) on the map here or see a list of all providers selected to deliver them at each phase of the roll-out here.


Do T Levels attract UCAS points?

Yes, from the table below, the T Level will carry UCAS points in the same way that 3 A-Levels do:

Screenshot 2019-09-29 at 20.07.38.png

It's worth bearing in mind that these UCAS points are for the overall T Level grade, not individual elements of it.

What can you do after a T Level?

As a T Level is a nationally recognised qualification, you could move on to a Higher Apprenticeship or begin to look for skilled employment.


Hopefully, this gives you a bit of background on what the new programme will involve but if you have any questions, ask away! :biggrin:
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 1
T LEVELS are the future
I'm on a T Level transition programme - year 11 retake basically given it's Level 2 which is equivalent to GCSE, FSMQ Additional Maths, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge O-Level.

I had a bad Year 11 due to extenuating so I was enrolled in BTEC Level 2 T Level transition programme rather than into Year 12 (A-Level, Cambridge International A-Level) or even Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O-Level as a Year 11 retake.

Why isn't the "Digital" or "IT" course highly Mathematical given that Computer Science is a branch of Maths, topics such as P = NP?
I have no interest in apprenticeship or employment.

Why is the class size larger than I thought? I thought the class size would be like 2 or 3 people given a Year 11 retake is a rare thing and I had extenuating circumstances.
Guys be careful. T levels aren't accepted to most universities and seem to have a lower acceptance rate than the Btecs they replaced.
Original post by Schotel
T LEVELS are the future


Considering how few good universities accept them, I doubt that will be the case
Original post by Dnsnnssn
Considering how few good universities accept them, I doubt that will be the case


It is something which will take time, BTECs will be eventually replaced, and more employers are looking for experience rather than theory. In the long term they definitely are the future. But i do understand the struggle with some universities not accepting them - it is up to their discretion if they do or not, so hopefully they will in the future.
Reply 6
My son has chosen to do the T Level over BTEC or A Levels, he really liked the sound of the course, work placement days, and our college is classes of no more than 14 students. I hope that he's made the right decision. Our local University has confirmed that they do take them. It's so hard to choose when things are changing

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