26th September 2023

In a week in which Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has proposed a shake-up of A-levels, we thought we would scrutinise the success of T-levels, often suggested as an alternative to three A-levels but following a more vocational pathway which develops the all-important technical and transferable skills via a work placement.

T Levels were introduced two years ago, with 23 now available for 2024 applications, with more due to be introduced each year. As of September 2023 they became subject to Ofsted inspection, and as many Year 11 students will be considering T Levels as a post-16 option, it’s vital to be able to properly evaluate the courses at your local college. Here are some questions to ask on open days:

1.  Who will teach the course and what is their background? Some components are highly specialised, and some courses have struggled to find and retain the right staff.

2.  Which employer will deliver the work placement? Are they an established company? The quality of placements can vary from college to college and course to course.

3.  Will there be just one placement or more? More placements may mean greater diversity of experience. 

4.  How will the placement be delivered? Models may vary E.g. day release, block release, mixed.

5.  Will students have to be interviewed for their placement? Securing the best placement may be a competitive process.

6.  Has the employer been involved with previous T Levels? If they are repeating the experience, the signs are it went well; think about talking directly with them?

7.  How closely do they work with the college to provide the right placement? It's important that the work they give you is relevant and enhances your learning.

8.  How does the college monitor the placement? This is important to ensure the employer supplies what is agreed consistently.

7.  If applicable, how will SEND students be accommodated? It's important to know that any needs can be met or adaptations made.

8.  What percentage of students completed the course recently? In other words, how many dropped out - and why?

9.  How many students have been successful applying to university (if this is your aim)? This is especially important if you are hoping for a Russell Group institution as 10 out of the 24 did not accept T Levels for the 2023 entry. If you are very determined to have access to all Russel Group members, choosing A Levels may be a better path as their courses are more academic generally and A Levels are considered a better preparation.

One of the first T Levels to be introduced was in  Education and Early Years and it has proved to be the most successful to date with 989 enrolling in 2022 and 34.5 per cent of this year’s cohort gaining a distinction or a starred distinction. Janet King, sector manager for education and childcare at NCFE, has identified that the sector made a committed ‘contribution to the qualification’s content, informing what employers need from their future workforce, and in opening its doors to work placements’. This is confirmed by the students themselves. Ellie Scadden said that the placement component has been the highlight from this course:

'I have attended three different placements, which have allowed me to work closely with practitioners to extend my own learning and experiences. Placement providers and staff make you feel very welcome, and they fully support you with how to meet the needs of their children'.

So, our research has shown T Levels can work brilliantly, but it's not always guaranteed. If having asked these questions you're not sure about the quality of the course, consider a BTEC or A Levels topped up with your own work experience to gain relevant technical and transferable skills.

Sources:

Janet King: Reflecting on two years of T Levels | Nursery World

T-Levels: more vocational courses roll out – but post-16 choices in England are still limited (manchester.ac.uk)

Further Research:

www.gov.uk - T Levels

https://www.wigantoday.net/

education/wigan-and-leigh-colleges-first-cohort-of-t-level-students-pass-with-flying-colours-4337558

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

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