T Levels

Get ready to take the next step on your educational journey after your GCSEs, and the challenge of a new and exciting type of qualification.

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What are T Levels?

Technical Levels (T Levels) are a new qualification that is equivalent to three A Levels.

T Levels are the new technical vocational qualifications introduced by the government to meet the demands of various industries that require a highly skilled and practical workforce. They are designed to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enter employment within industries such as Engineering, IT, Business, Health and more.

Available to school leavers after they have completed their GCSEs, T Levels offer an alternative to A Levels or an apprenticeship.

The difference between a T Level and an A level is that with a T Level, 80% of the course is in the classroom, learning the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where you’ll put these skills into practice.

T Levels have been designed in collaboration with employers and businesses, so that you will learn everything you need to prepare for the workplace. They offer you more practical work experience and industry placement hours as part of your education than any other qualification currently available, except for apprenticeships.

In fact, as part of your T Level education, you will do more than 315 hours of industry placements over the course of your two-year programme.

And because they are the equivalent of three A Levels, T Levels also give you the option to move onto university or a higher apprenticeship once you’ve completed the programme.

The entry requirements for T Levels differ from course to course, but as they are equivalent to A Levels, good GCSE results are necessary. Please see the specific courses for entry requirements.

What is the difference between T Levels and BTECS?

T Levels are advanced level 3 courses and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. They offer you a much longer period of industry placement (315 hours) and are aimed at students who are very clear on the career path they wish to pursue. The course is a combination of in-class study and work placement.

To undertake a T Level you will need confidence to work alongside managers and supervisors who will teach you a specific trade and skills, give you real job responsibilities and you will be accountable for your work.

BTEC’s are also advanced level 3 courses and are equivalent to 3 A-Levels however, they have a shorter work experience period (2 weeks) and are mainly focused on developing key skills during practical sessions in college.

Both T Levels and BTECs are the same level and are equal in terms of what you will learn. They are both equally valuable to employers and universities. The main difference is the industry placement and work experience you will gain as part of the practical side of the course.

For both T Levels and BTECs, you will need to be dedicated, highly focused and have a good sense of which career you would like to follow. Depending on your study style, you can choose whichever programme you feel would suit you more. If you don't yet have the grades for T Levels, take a look at our T Level Foundation Year.

 

How are T Levels graded?

Once you complete your T Level, there are several options that are available to you. These include moving into full-time employment, an apprenticeship or higher education. To help T Level students get into higher education, UCAS tariff points have been allocated to T Levels, which means they will be equivalent to three A Levels. UCAS points will only be allocated to the overall T Level grade, so you must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.

 

UCAS tariff points T Level overall grade A Level
168 Distinction* (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism) AAA*
144 Distinction AAA
120 Merit BBB
96 Pass (C or above on the core) CCC
72 Pass (D of E on the core DDD

 

Find out more about how T Levels are graded on the government website.

 

What T Levels are available and when do they start?

T Levels went live at Activate Learning in September 2021. From September 2024, we will be offering the following courses:

This course will help you develop a broad range of knowledge relevant to the sector:

  • Business context – an overview of organisational cultures and values, different types of stakeholders, forms of governance and the impact of organisations on society and the environment.
  • Project and change management
  • Business behaviours and the importance of good communication
  • Quality and compliance

In the second year, you will complete the following occupational specialism:

  • Team Leadership/Management

This course is suitable for careers in management and administration. Career options include: business improvement coordinator, team leader, or project support. You could also progress to a higher-level apprenticeship or a degree course.

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This two-year qualification is suitable for anyone wanting a career within the craft and design sector specialising in ceramics. The course will combine classroom theory and practical learning and has been designed to ensure you develop a range of skills within the Craft sector which contributes approximately £3.4 billion to the UK economy.

This course will develop your appreciation of pottery in different settings: studio potter or pottery in an industrial setting. With expert tuition in our college studios, you will explore different processes, techniques, tools, and materials, refining your skills before specialising in a selected area. 

Activate Learning is an approved centre for University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body.

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Our immersive programme offers a fast-paced journey towards becoming a skilled fashion and textiles specialist; it covers product making, designing, and understanding the creative economy. The course explores industry and career opportunities, focusing on key practical skills defined by employers.

A blend of expert classroom instruction and real-world, industry experience will equip you for diverse roles such as costume design, dressmaker, pattern cutter, creative director, fashion buyer, visual merchandiser, and many more. 

Activate Learning is an approved centre for University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body. 

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This course focuses on the digital industry and aims to give you the essential knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to any digital occupation.

Learn the essentials behind all digital roles by understanding data and digital systems, how software and business interact, security, testing, planning and legal issues. You then build on this by developing specialist skills in understanding user needs and designing and developing digital systems. 

This type of qualification is ideal for people who want to work in the following areas:

  • digital development
  • security
  • project planning and management
  • computing systems management
  • software development

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This T Level focuses on children and young people and will help you develop the skills and essential knowledge needed for a range of careers.

This is a new two-year course that is designed in collaboration with employers to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of industry or progress into higher education.

You’ll be able to put everything you learn in the classroom into practice. You’ll be given an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, such as a school or nursery, and gain invaluable experience as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

You will learn about the differences between a range of childcare and education provisions, from 0 to 19 years, along with the different stages of development, and the possible barriers to learning.

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Are you thinking about a career in engineering? Our Engineering T Level will give you the skills, knowledge and experience to set you on the path towards your ideal career. 

This course has been designed in collaboration with employers and businesses, so that you will learn everything you need to prepare for the workplace. 

You’ll develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector and get the chance to specialise in subjects that support your interests. You’ll undertake a practical work placement in a real-world environment, giving you the opportunity to learn from professionals on-the-job and utilise your new skills and knowledge.  

This course is suitable for a career in construction, specifically in areas such as electric installation and maintenance, plumbing or heating.

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During our two-year accounting course, you will learn about financial accounting principles, data and analytics, ethics and professional conduct, as well as gaining specialist knowledge about the role of an assistant accountant.

Core content:

  • fundamentals of financial accounting
  • professionalism and ethics
  • data-driven innovation and analytics and design thinking

Career options might include: finance officer, accounting technician, payroll administrator, payroll manager.

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This course starts with the essential knowledge and skills to work in healthcare or science including how the industry works, core scientific concepts and key regulations including managing information, health and safety and good scientific/clinical practice.

You will then have the chance to specialise in at least one of the following areas:

  • assisting with healthcare science
  • dental services (making dental devices)
  • optical care services
  • pharmacy services
  • prosthetic and orthotic technical services

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You will boost your knowledge in a range of topics, such as the principles of good scientific and clinical practice, as well as fundamental scientific concepts. You'll also further your understanding of standard operating procedures, management of equipment and work areas, stock control and storage, the importance of quality standards, and health and safety. And as the science industry is so innovative, you’ll gain a better understanding of the world around you. 

Our Laboratory Sciences specialism is designed to support your interests, so you can get deeper into your chosen subject and build up the skills you need for your future job. You’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study and gain invaluable experience, as well as key skills that employers are looking for. 

You could progress straight into a skilled profession, such as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

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This is a new and exciting programme and is designed for those who have a keen interest in story-telling through graphic design, animation, photography, podcasting, film, radio for a variety of digital platforms.

You’ll gain an understanding of a broad range of topics relevant to the sector, with a specialism in Content Creation and Production. A meaningful industry placement means you’ll get the chance to put your skills into action! 

Career options in this industry might include: TV or film production assistant, TV or film producer, TV or film director, social media content creator, digital content creator, social media executive, content producer, and communications manager. 

View course

What is a T Level Foundation Year?

If you think you might like to do a T Level, but need more time to get ready, a T Level Foundation Year will help you develop your skills and prepare you for the next level.

It’s a one-year post-GCSE course designed to give you the relevant knowledge, plus both practical and study skills, as well as work experience.

You can expect to:

  • learn technical knowledge and practical skills relevant to your chosen T Level
  • gain relevant industry work experience
  • develop industry-relevant English and maths skills, as well as digital skills
  • continue working towards achieving a GSCE grade 4 in English and / or maths if you do not already have this
  • receive focused individual support and growth in personal development

What’s different about a T Level Foundation Year?

The programme is specifically designed to give you the best chance of progressing onto and successfully completing your chosen T Level. Developed with leading employers, schools and colleges who have provided their unique understanding of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that industry employers look for in future employees.

The programme will provide you with a clear understanding of what a T Level course involves, as well as guaranteeing you an interview for your chosen T Level at the end of the year.

 

Find out more

Whether you are a prospective student, parent or employer partner, there are additional resources available to find out more about T Levels.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a T Levels student, you can:

  • read more about T Levels on the government website
  • watch Department for Education’s T Level videos
  • register for an upcoming Open Event where you can speak to our teaching staff about T Levels

If your child is currently in Year 10, and thinking about post-GCSE options, you can find out more information to help make the right decision for your child’s future:

  • watch Department for Education’s T Level videos
  • visit the National Careers Service website for information and guidance on all post-16 options for your child
  • speak to the careers advisor at your child’s school
  • register for an upcoming Open Event where you can speak to our teaching staff about T Levels

Discover how our T Levels programmes can benefit your business by visiting our dedicated T Levels page for employers.