T Levels are new qualifications available to students after they finish school. T Levels last 2 years and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. The first 3 T Levels were rolled out in September 2020 in these subject areas:
These 3 courses are currently available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England.
How do T Levels work?
T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships - they're designed by groups of employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. However, T Levels differ from apprenticeships as instead of equipping learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need for a specific occupation, T Levels provide a more-rounded education in the field.
T Level students cover the core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area, which prepares students for work, further training or study. Students complete a mixture of classroom learning (around 1,500 hours) and on-the-job experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (around 45 days).
In September 2021, T Level courses started in:
In September 2022, these T Levels started:
Then, further T Level courses were launched in September 2023:
T Levels will be a popular option for students, which is why almost 200 training providers have already signed up to deliver the T Level Transition programme.
If you're interested in delivering T Levels, you need to submit an expression of interest to the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education. You can find out how it works and when the next round of applications opens on the gov.uk website.
T Level providers will be supported by the Association of Colleges. They'll help with planning, delivery preparations, networking and sharing best practice. Providers will also receive additional funding to support the transition to T Levels - a one-off payment of £20,000 to each provider delivering T Levels for the first time between 2020-2022.
T Levels are expected to be the next big thing in post-secondary education. To find out more about how they work, how they're delivered, and the funding available for providers, download your T Level frequently asked questions.