What are T-levels?

T-levels are a new type of post-16 qualification but what are they? Which subjects offer T-levels? How do they work? How are they graded? How are they different from A-levels? What are the pros and cons of T-levels? This article will answer all your T-level questions!

What are T-levels, how do they work and how are they different to A-levels?

Technical levels, T-levels, are a relatively new alternative to A-levels, apprenticeships and BTECs that were introduced in England in September 2020. They are designed to provide a more technical education more tailored to future employment or higher education.

T-levels, like A-levels, last two years and they are for students aged 16-19 years old. They are the equivalent of three A-levels and unlike traditional A-levels, which are 100% classroom-based, T-levels offer a unique split of 80% classroom-based learning and 20% placement. Industry placements typically last at least 45 days and provide students with valuable skills and experience to support their chosen career.

Which subjects offer T-levels?

T-levels have been developed in collaboration with employers so students can gain relevant skills and experience. Currently, the number of T-levels are limited but they are continually expanding. Below is a list of the T-levels that are available as of September 2022.

• Management and Administration
• Building Services Engineering for Construction
• Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
• Onsite Construction
• Digital Business Services
• Digital Production, Design and Development
• Digital Support Services
• Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
• Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
• Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
• Education and Early Years
• Health
• Healthcare Science
• Science
• Accounting

From September 2023 onwards, the following courses will also be available:

• Agriculture, Land Management and Production
• Animal Care and Management (starting September 2024)
• Catering
• Craft and Design
• Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy
• Media, Broadcast and Production
• Legal Services

For a full description of each subject head to gov.uk.

How are T-levels graded?

T-levels are graded based on an externally-set exam and project, as well as an employer-set project and a practical skills assessment. T-levels are not graded with a letter system like A-levels. Instead, they are graded using a system similar to BTECs:

• Pass: Equivalent to three C/D grades at A-level
• Merit: Equivalent to three B grades at A-level
• Distinction: Equivalent to three A grades at A-level
• Distinction *: Equivalent to three A* grades at A-level

T-levels offer a different kind of post-16 qualification, but they still have pros and cons.

Pros of T-levels

• Grading: The grading of T-levels is better suited to the knowledge and skills that are required for a particular industry, as opposed to traditional A-levels which may not be as relevant to the workplace. T-levels are also equivalent to three A-levels, meaning their UCAS weighting is equivalent and T-level students can therefore also progress to higher education.
• Specialist skills: T-levels are designed to give students skills relevant to a particular industry which means that they may be better prepared for the workplace than students with qualifications such as traditional A-levels.
• Increased employability: Similar to the point above, T-levels include a 45-day placement which may increase students’ employability and give them an advantage for job opportunities in the future.

Cons of T-levels

• Limited choices: T-levels are still relatively new and whilst they are continually expanding, the current choice of subjects may not suit every student. Other forms of post-16 qualifications, on the other hand, have a far greater range of choice.
• Limited availability: Again, T-levels are still relatively new and not every sixth-form or college will offer them. Currently, in the academic year 22/23, there are 163 T-level providers. By 24/25, this is anticipated to increase to 466.
• Limited progression: A possible con of T-levels is that students are trained in one specific industry from age 16. It’s possible that students’ personal interests may change over time and they could then feel stuck in the industry they are trained in. Therefore, students who are not 100% certain of their future career route may not be suited for T-levels.

It is very important to bear in mind that every student is different and there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to post-16 qualifications. T-levels offer a unique new approach to education. Some students may find that T-levels are the best option for them as they know they want to work in a particular industry, but other students may find that A-levels or other options may be better for them.