The year 2020 may not have been the best in the educational sphere (thanks Covid-19) but there was at least some light in the darkness when T-Levels were introduced. This alternative to A-levels is already impacting many students' lives for the better. This innovative qualification is perfect for students looking to combine real world experience with classroom learning, with the course featuring an industry placement of at least 9 weeks.

But do you know everything there is to know about them? We’ve answered the top 9 questions asked by students to keep you in the know. If you are interested in studying T-Levels or want to find out more about the newly introduced qualification, continue reading this blog post. 

What are T-Levels? 

T-Levels, designed to be equivalent to three A-levels, were introduced in 2020 in an attempt to balance the classroom learning of an A-level with the real world experience of an apprenticeship. 

Each T-Level includes industry placements that last at least 45 days over the two years of study helping students get valuable work experience for the industry they are interested in. However, students still spend the majority of their time (80%) learning skills from their education provider and use the rest of their time utilising those skills within a work placement.

What does the ‘T’ stand for? 

The 'T' stands for technical, highlighting the practical focus of this qualification.

What are the requirements to apply?

To be eligible to apply to study T-Levels you need to be between the ages of 16 and 19, and be looking towards working in a specific industry. Students will also be required to have achieved five GCSEs at grades 4-9, that include English, maths and a science-related subject. 

How is it graded?

T-Levels have an overall grade of either pass, merit, distinction or distinction* which are calculated by your grade in the core component (using A* to E grading system) and your grade for your work specialism (at either pass, merit or distinction). Your results certificate will also confirm that you have completed your work placement as well as any other qualification references such as maths and/or English at level 2. 

This year was the first year of results for T-Level students, where a 92.2 pass rate was achieved overall. You can find out more statistics on T-Level results here.

What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and T-Levels? 

While T-Levels have similar standards to apprenticeships, they are quite different time-wise. Apprenticeships are designed for young people who want to spend the majority of their time working and earning a wage whilst T-Levels focus on learning the necessary skills in the classroom and adapting that into the workforce later. 

If you are trying to figure out whether you would like to study an apprenticeship or T-Levels, it’s worth considering how independent you want to be from your school and how much time you want to spend in the workforce. 

Can you go to university after studying a T-Level? 

Students can go to university after studying T-Levels, the grades you receive will be transferred into UCAS tariff points for entry into university. You can find a useful guide on the point system here. 

What are the benefits of studying T-Levels instead of A-Levels?

The benefits of studying T-Levels are that students will be able to completely concentrate on their chosen career instead of studying multiple subjects around it. Not only this, but when studying they will receive more 1:1 support from their teachers than students do at A-Levels and be able to gain valuable work experience in their area of study.

Do I need to know what career I want to do to study T-Levels?

T-levels give you a head-start in the world of work, however they do this by focusing you down your chosen specific career path. This is less open ended than A-levels where you can study four completely different subjects.

What subjects can you study during a T-Level?

As T-Levels are a newly introduced qualification, not all options are available yet. Currently students can study design, surveying and planning for construction, digital production and design, educational and childcare, digital business services, digital support and services, healthcare science and science in general. 

This September accounting and finance, design and development for engineering and manufacturing and administration will be available options for students. There will be future options the following year too. 

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-t-levels/introduction-of-t-levels

https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/

https://feweek.co.uk/t-level-results-2022-6-key-findings/

https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/ucas-tariff-points-allocated-t-levels