Technical Education Information for Careers Leaders

What are T-levels?

T levels are a new, 2-year qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds which can be taken after GCSEs. Each T level is equivalent to 3 A levels. They focus on vocational and practical skills to help young people thrive in the workplace.

T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses. This makes sure that the content meets the needs of the industry and prepares young people for work, further training, or study.

What do they involve?

T levels offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience. 80% of the course takes place in the classroom, learning skills. The other 20% is an industry placement, to put skills into action. The industry placement is at least 315 hours which is approximately 45 days.

What and where can they be studied?

To find out more about the different subjects on offer, head to the T level webpages.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements for each course are set by the individual college or school. 

How are they graded?

On completion of a T Level, students will gain a nationally recognised certification with their overall grade.

This will be either

  • Pass
  • Merit
  • Distinction
  • Distinction *

It will also provide details of what was learnt during the course.

Can they provide UCAS tariff points?

T Levels will be worth UCAS points. A T Level Distinction * is worth the same as 3 A levels at A*. It should be recognised by universities and other education providers, but it is worth checking this on the entry requirements of different institutions.

T Levels on Offer in Dorset

You can search to find a T Level school or college here. An overview of local providers and course start dates can be found below:

Courses currently on offer:

Provider T Level Courses
Bournemouth & Poole College
  • Business: Management and Administration - Business Support

  • Business (Foundation)

  • Digital Production, Design and Development

  • Digital Support Services

  • Digital (Foundation)

  • Maintenance Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

  • Engineering (Foundation)

  • Education and Early Years

  • Health

Brockenhurst College
  • Education and Early Years 
Ferndown Upper School
  • Digital Production, Design and Development (Software Developer)
  • Digital Support Services
  • Education and Early Years
Kingston Maurward College
  • Animal Care and Management
  • Agriculture (Crop Production)
  • Agriculture (Livestock Production)
  • Business Management
  • Horticulture
  • Land-based Engineering
  • Trees and Woodland Management
  • Technical Qualification in Onsite Construction
Poole High School
  • Finance
  • Accounting
Weymouth College
  • Education and Early Years
  • Digital Support Services
  • Health - Supporting the Adult Nursing Team
  • Surveying and Planning for Construction

The Careers & Enterprise Company have created several resources to support the promotion of technical education pathways. The link can be found here.

Where can I find out more?

There are some really helpful resources for teachers and Careers Leaders here.

Education & Training Foundation have a number of resources which can be found here.

For an overview of T Levels, the subjects and to hear current student stories, head to the T Levels website.

A list of providers delivering T Levels and the T Level Foundation Year can be found here.