T Levels
A new choice - T Levels are a brand-new qualification designed to give you a head start towards the future you want. These two year courses follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A Levels, combining academic classroom-based learning with a meaningful industry placement. They provide a good alternative to A Levels or BTEC and technical courses.
What is a T Level Foundation Year?
As part of our commitment to providing outstanding technical education, we're thrilled to announce the launch of our six new T Level Foundation Years for September 2024. These exciting year-long courses bridge the gap between GCSEs and T Levels for pupils who may not quite meet the entry requirements to start on a T level immediately.
T Level Foundation Years are designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for their upcoming T Level and the exciting world of work. The course will focus on building students' English, maths, and digital skills within a context relevant to their chosen industry.
What is the difference between technical qualifications, A Levels and T Levels?
A Levels are assessed mainly through exams, while diploma courses are assessed mainly by coursework. In terms of UCAS points, level 3 diploma vocational qualifications are often equivalent to three A Levels. T Levels have been co-created with over 250 employers to combine classroom study with a 45-day industry placement. T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and are assessed by both exams and coursework.
Can I go to university after studying a T Level?
Yes. T Levels are nationally-recognised qualifications and worth UCAS points, therefore are accepted by universities and other education providers.
How do T Levels differ from an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is typically 80% on-the-job and 20% in the classroom, as opposed to T Levels where 80% of your study programme is classroom-based and 20% is spent completing an industry placement.
Emily Dowell
Previous school: Beamont Collegiate Academy
College course: T Level Health: Adult Nursing
Emily made the decision to pursue a T Level after realising that A Levels weren't aligned with her practical and hands-on approach to learning. With aspirations of becoming a children’s nurse, she sought a course that would provide her with the skills necessary for her chosen career.
Her passion for nursing is evident as she immerses herself in the practical aspects of her education, particularly enjoying the simulation hospital ward on campus as well as taking part in an exciting industry placement with Sandy Lane Children's Centre. She said:
“My course is a direct route to my dream career as a nurse. The industry placement that I have completed has resulted in me gaining lots of practical skills and theoretical knowledge.”
Finlay Parkinson
Previous school: The County High School Leftwich
College course: T Level Engineering: Light & Electric Vehicles
Finlay Parkinson has been thriving in the industry-standard facilities at the college whilst mastering a wide range of mechanical principles. Finlay has even had the chance to complete his mandatory industry placement with 1D Speedworks, a motor sport company based in Northwitch, which he says is helping him to gain skills in the industry he hopes to progress to once completing the course. Looking ahead, Finlay aspires to build a career in the motorsport and racing industry and believes that the course is equipping him with the expertise and experience needed to achieve his goals. He said:
“My industry placement in the motor vehicle sector has been invaluable, giving me practical skills that I can use in the real world.”
Alisha Eden
Previous school: Byrchall High School
College course: T Level Business, Management & Administration
After attending a Year 10 Taster Day with her former high school, Byrchall High, Alisha knew she wanted to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College.
Alisha secured her own industry placement within the marketing department at Reliable Food Service, a local food wholesaler. She attends her placement once a week and enjoys the balance this gives her. Since starting her industry placement, Alisha has gained a wide range of marketing experience including working on the website and social media. Alisha feels she is well supported by her tutors and has made plenty of new friends since starting her course. She can’t wait to learn more about the different areas of business and gain more experience on her placement. T Levels are a great way to gain valuable work experience alongside a recognised qualification, allowing students to gain a variety of skills and knowledge required to progress into a career in the industry they choose to study. She said:
“My industry placement in the motor vehicle sector has been invaluable, giving me practical skills that I can use in the real world.”
