T Levels are new 2-year courses taken after GCSEs and designed to give 16-18 year olds a head start towards a career. They are an alternative to A levels, other post-16 courses or an apprenticeship. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with more than 250 leading businesses and employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.

Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.

One T Level takes 2 years of full-time study and is equivalent to three A levels. Students will get one of four grades, ranging from a distinction* to a pass. Students will receive a nationally recognised certificate showing their overall grade and listing their experience on the course. A distinction* is worth 168 Ucas points, which is the same as three A*s at A Level. A merit is equivalent to three Bs at A Level.

Source: Department for Education on bbc.co.uk/news

The DfE have advised that a considerable amount of higher education providers have confirmed they will consider T Levels for entry onto at least one course at their institution. The list is not exhaustive, and there are likely to be differing entry requirements for different providers and courses.

Further information about T Levels for parents and carers can be found on the HM Government website together with the T-Levels policy paper.

Read more about T Levels at Ada Lovelace on our blog.

The video below provides insight into T Levels.