Post 16: T-levels

What are T levels?

T Levels are nationally-recognised technical qualifications that are worth the same number of UCAS points as 3 A levels.  They have been designed as an alternative route to A levels and apprenticeships, and have been co-designed with employers to give young people the skills that industry needs.  They are delivered through a blend of classroom based learning and 45 days in an industry placement. 

Over the next 3 years, 24 T level subjects in 11 different technical routes will become available; 3 are available from September 2020 (digital production, design & development; education & childcare; and design, surveying and planning for construction), with a further 7 coming on stream in September 2021.  Read more about T levels on these government websites:

T-levels: The next level qualification

Gov.UK: Introduction of T-levels

What will students learn?

T Levels will provide students with a mixture of:

• technical knowledge and skills specific to their chosen industry or occupation via the Technical Qualification (TQ), which is the main, classroom-based element. Students will learn about their chosen sectors through a curriculum designed by employers
• an industry placement of at least 45 days in their chosen industry or occupation, giving students practical insights into their sector and an opportunity to embed the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom
• relevant maths, English (up to the equivalent of GCSE grade 4 if not already achieved) and digital skills, to give students a foundation in transferable skills

For further information on the content of T levels, visit the Institute of Apprenticeships website:

Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education: T levels

How are they funded?

There is extra funding from ESFA for T levels, to acknowledge the slightly larger course programme. HfL has produced a summary (insert pdf) and the full funding guidance can be found here:

Gov.UK: 16 to 19 funding allocations supporting documents for 2020 to 2021