What Are T-Levels and How Are They Graded?

Understanding T-levels: A New Pathway for Post-16 Education

T-levels are a new type of vocational qualification introduced in England to provide an alternative to traditional academic routes like A-levels. Designed for students aged 16 to 19, these qualifications focus on practical skills and real-world experience, making them ideal for those who prefer hands-on learning over purely theoretical study.

The program combines classroom teaching with on-the-job training, requiring students to complete a minimum of 315 hours of work placement—equivalent to about nine weeks. This industry experience forms approximately 20% of the course, ensuring that students gain valuable skills relevant to their chosen field.

T-levels were first introduced in 2020 as part of efforts to streamline the post-16 education landscape. They aim to offer a more structured and recognized pathway for students who do not want to pursue apprenticeships, which typically involve a higher proportion of time spent with employers.

How Are T-levels Graded?

Students receive one of four grades: pass, merit, distinction, or distinction*. These grades are determined through a combination of exams, coursework, and successful completion of the work placement. The final certificate includes the overall grade and details of the student’s experiences during the course.

A distinction is equivalent to 168 UCAS points, matching the value of three A grades at A-level. A merit is comparable to three B grades at A-level. This makes T-levels a viable option for students aiming to progress to higher education, as over 150 UK universities and colleges accept them as entry qualifications.

Available T-Level Subjects

Currently, there are more than 20 T-Level subjects available, including areas such as accounting, engineering, media production, and craft and design. However, some courses have been discontinued or delayed due to low demand. For instance, onsite construction T-levels were phased out because fewer students enrolled in them, with the Department for Education (DfE) stating that apprenticeships and other classroom-based options better meet learner and economic needs.

Other courses, like catering and hairdressing, have also faced delays or cancellation. The DfE has announced that while some proposed T-levels will not be introduced, others will remain available as part of broader educational reforms.

Success and Challenges

Despite the growing number of students enrolling in T-levels, challenges persist. In the 2024-25 academic year, 25,508 students started T-levels, but retention rates remain lower compared to A-levels. Only 71% of students who began a T-level in 2022 completed the two-year program. The dropout rate was particularly high among first-year health and science T-level students, with 31% leaving the course.

A report by the Education Policy Institute highlighted that nearly half of these students end up leaving education altogether. Similarly, a third of those enrolled in legal, finance, and accounting courses failed to finish their studies.

In addition to issues with course completion, concerns have been raised about the quality of teaching. In July 2024, Ofqual fined the NCFE exam board £300,000 for "major failings" related to exams taken by 1,200 health and science T-level students in 2022.

T-levels vs. Other Vocational Qualifications

When T-levels were introduced, there were over 12,000 vocational qualifications offered by more than 150 awarding bodies. T-levels were designed to simplify this complex system and make post-16 choices clearer for students and employers.

Initially, funding for some existing qualifications, like BTecs, was set to be withdrawn. However, the Labour government paused these plans and reviewed the proposals. As a result, 157 qualifications will no longer be scrapped, though over 200 others with low enrollment will lose funding from August 2025.

Other vocational options in the UK include BTecs, NVQs, and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). While these continue to coexist with T-levels, the DfE has emphasized that T-levels are intended to become the primary technical qualification for students.

Student Experiences and Feedback

Many students have shared positive experiences with T-levels, finding them a more practical and engaging way to study. However, challenges such as limited course availability, inconsistent teaching quality, and high dropout rates remain significant concerns.

For those interested in sharing their own experiences with T-levels, there are multiple ways to get in touch. Submissions can be made via email, WhatsApp, or social media, with instructions provided for submitting questions, comments, or multimedia content.