What are T Levels?
T Levels are a new technical qualification, available at CWA from September 2021.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A T Level takes two years and is equivalent to 3 A Levels
- After the T Level study programme, students will eb able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, for example, a higher or degree level apprenticeship, or higher level technical study, including higher education.
- T Levels bring classroom and industry placements together
- T Levels were designed by employers to give students the qualifications to prepare the for employment
T Levels are studied five days a week, with 80% of your time in the classroom and the other 20% on a relevant industry placement, getting real on-the-job experience.
Each T Level is made up of:
- Core industry skills and knowledge
- Specialist skills and knowledge relevant to your chosen career
- Either a 315-hour (45 day) or 700 (90 day) industry placement with an employer (depending on route taken
- Maths, English and digital skills relevant to the chosen pathway.
You will be assessed by exams for the core skills, practical skills tests for the occupational (career) specialisms and your competency will be reviewed whilst on placement.
T Levels are career-focused, with a significant industry placement allowing you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to compete for the best higher/degree apprenticeships and highly skilled careers.
T Levels are for young people who are academically strong and ambitious to get ahead in high-level technical occupations. They provide the chance to learn what a real career is like while studying.
Which T Levels are available?
The first three T Levels will be available from September 2021.
What are the T Level entry requirements?
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths and Science for the Science Assistant Route.
What are the differences between T Levels and A Levels?
If you have a specific career goal, a T Level will give you the experience and skills needed to get a head start into your chosen area.
T Levels lead to a nationally-recognised qualification showing specific learning outcomes with an overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.
They equip young people to progress to university, highly skilled employment or a higher/degree apprenticeship.
When they complete a T Level study programme, students will be able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, for example, a higher or degree level apprenticeship, or higher level technical study, including higher education
UCAS Tariff for T Levels
| UCAS Tariff points |
T Level overall grade |
A Level grades |
| 168 |
Distinction* |
A*A*A* |
| 144 |
Distinction |
AAA |
| 120 |
Merit |
BBB |
| 96 |
Pass (C or above on the core) |
CCC |
| 72 |
Pass (D or E on the core) |
DDD |
The tariff allocates points to each qualification grade so you can easily work out what you need for a particular course. The table below shows how T Levels equate to A Levels.
The table above is based on achieving the same grade for each A Level. However, UCAS tariff totals can be achieved through different A Level grade combinations based on the following A Level grade points: A*=56; A=48; B=40; C=32; D=24; E=16.
