Preparing for Your T Level Application: Tips and Advice

Applying for college can be daunting. As the first independent step in your educational journey, it can be difficult to know where to start. With different qualifications available to suit different learning styles, there are plenty of options to choose from, including the new T Level qualifications on offer at Warrington & Vale Royal College! 

We are here to help you take this exciting next step. From understanding more about T Levels, to advice on making your application, read on to find out more about preparing for your future at Warrington & Vale Royal College. 

What is a T Level?

T Levels are a new qualification, introduced in 2020, which are offered to school leavers across the country. T Levels combine a practical and classroom-based approach to learning, allowing students to develop a well-rounded understanding of the industry and career that they wish to progress into. 

Equivalent to 3 A Levels, these nationally recognised qualifications open up many opportunities for the future and are widely accepted by employers, universities and other higher education providers. For example, if you were to achieve a Distinction* grade in your T Level qualification, this is equivalent to 3 A* grades at A Level!

As part of your studies as a T Level student, you will spend 20% of your time on the course completing a mandatory industry placement in your chosen field. These placements will provide you with insight to the industry, gaining valuable experience and making important connections to expand on your professional network. 

How do I know which T Level course is right for me? 

T Levels are offered in a range of industries, from Accounting to Science, and as they become increasingly popular, the list keeps on growing!

The T Level course that you choose to study will be dependent on the industry you wish to progress into. T Levels are designed to give you a broad insight into the sector and follow different pathways to allow you to specialise in the area you want to focus on. 

At Warrington & Vale Royal College, we offer the widest choice of T Levels in Warrington. We currently offer T Levels in the below subject areas:

• Accounting
• Business
• Construction, Design, Surveying & Planning
• Early Years
• Engineering
• Health
• Science
• Motor Vehicle.

*Please note this list is correct as of April 2025. For up-to-date courses, please follow the link below. 

To find out more about the range of T Levels on offer at Warrington & Vale Royal College, head to wvr.ac.uk/16-18/tlevels.

Meeting the entry requirements of a T Level

The entry requirements to study a T Level at Warrington & Vale Royal College are to achieve 5 GCSEs at a grade 4 or above, including maths, English and some courses require Science, depending on the subject area. You are unable to resit your Maths and English GCSEs alongside your T Level. 

Each course will have its own entry requirements and offers are subject to other requirements such as school references and attendance. 

If you are unsure if you will meet the entry requirements for your chosen T Level, we do offer 2 T Level Foundation Year courses in the below subject areas:

• Business, Accountancy & Digital
• Construction

These one-year-long foundation year courses are designed to bridge the gap between GCSEs and T Levels. They provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to progress onto the T Level course of your choice, allowing you to resit your maths and English GCSE’s to meet the entry requirements in preparation for your upcoming T Level. 

Making your T Level application 

If you have decided that a T Level is the right option for you, it’s time to make your application!

T Levels are becoming increasingly popular and spaces on these exciting courses are limited, so it’s important you apply as early as possible to avoid missing out. 

To make an application, you will need to make an ‘applicant account’. Here you will provide us with your details and our admissions team will process your application! Head to https://apply.wvr.ac.uk/ to start your application. 

If you would prefer to fill out a paper application form or are struggling to complete your application online, head to https://wvr.ac.uk/apply.

Our School Engagement and Admissions Teams are always on hand to support you through the application process. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

What happens next?

So, you’ve made your application! But what happens next?

Once we have received your application, our Admissions Team will be in touch to arrange an interview appointment. These interview slots are your opportunity for you to meet your future tutor, and make sure that this is the right course for you. Following your successful interview, you will receive your conditional offer of a place on the course, which is subject to your GCSEs and a reference from school. 

You will have plenty of opportunities throughout Year 11 to make sure this is the right college for you! From Open Evenings to Taster Days, you will be invited to various events across the year to attend taster session of your chosen course, meet your fellow T Level applicants and get a feel for college life. 

Once you have completed your GCSEs, you will be invited to enrol on your course. On GCSE Results Day in August, you will make your final decision and secure a place on one of our exciting T Levels.