T-Level Versus A-Level

What are T-Levels?

The first T-Levels were introduced in the academic year of 2020/21.  They are designed as a 2 year course that can be studied by 16 to 18 year olds after GCSE’s and work as an alternative and equivalent to the more traditional A-Levels.  So how do they actually compare to A-Levels?  Well achieving a T-Level Distinction* is roughly equivalent to achieving 3 A Levels.  The initiative was designed in a collaboration between educators and employers working with the Department of Education with the pure aim of preparing students to either continue down the employment track, possibly through apprenticeship schemes or allow them to progress back onto the higher education pathway.  The courses are designed to provide both practical and theoretical learning with around one term of experience in work placement embedded within the classroom learning (approximately 20 / 80 split).  The entrance requirements for T-Levels include achieving the minimum GCSE grade 4 in maths and english, or work towards attaining these if the candidate failed to do so before, or obtaining a level 2 in functional skills in order to pass the programme.  But due to the nature of focusing on a direct vocation, further requirements seem to vary from placement to placement and between educational establishments.  There are currently no set minimum requirements by the Government, other than that stated above, unlike A-Levels where the student would normally be expected to achieve a minimum of five GCSE’s age grades 9 to 4 with at least grade 6 for their chosen A-Level subjects.  For candidates who struggle to meet the minimum requirements, a 1 year T-Level transition programme is also available post GCSE to help provide additional preparation and support in order to move onto a T-Level.

A Review So Far…

So, just over 2 years down the road since T-Levels were introduced and how successful have they actually been?  Well, whilst the data is still relatively low in numbers, to date, over 92%% of T-Level students have achieved a “Pass” or above.  Of that, approximately 38% of those that applied for higher education courses with a slight improvement on the number of 18 year olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds applying.

The Government Website has published that a good number of Universities are accepting T-Level students, including some very well established and high reputation institutes.  It is definitely noted that the top elite universities are very much absent from this list.  In addition, frustratingly there were reports that Universities were rejecting the first cohorts of T-Level students.  However, it appears that much work has been done to change the perspective of some of these establishments, so let’s hope that confidence will increase as time goes by.

Providers that have confirmed T Levels suitable for entry on one course - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Conclusion

In short, I believe that T-Levels, if executed carefully in a well structured manner, can provide plenty of opportunities for those who either do not enjoy classroom study or have better skills in the practical world.  It is also ideal for those students who have a clear calling for their vocation and can very much help employers to train and mould candidates into someone suitable for the workforce.  Sometimes, the thirst for classroom learning comes later for those who like to build upon experience and this allows the flexibility to do so.  In addition, I truly believe that the scheme will help more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and hopefully lower unemployment rates as well as manage skill shortages in certain industry sectors going forwards.  For the science sector, this is key, as I know that skill shortage has been spoken about for the last quarter of a decade, ever since I was a student.  The recent NHS and Teacher Association strikes is also a firm indication of working conditions, of which one of the root causes is ultimately overworked and hence underpaid.  As we know, we also need those amazing teachers to inspire the next generation to take up vocations where there are skill shortages and not put them off by fuelling negative media.  It is right that people should feel worthy and valued in their jobs, especially those who provide a service to society and it will be here that we need more young people to feel supported at the start of their journeys.  It remains to be seen how successful this scheme will become, but in order to ensure success, it definitely needs the government's backing, support and investment for the long term, not just whilst the current party is in office.  I hope with all my heart that this wonderful collaboration will be just what this country needs.