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Everything you wanted to know about T Levels

3 December 2024
We explain all the key information you’ll need to make an informed decision about the T Level qualification.

Still unsure what a T Level is, or whether it’s the right option for you? Take a read of our blog, as we explain all the key information you’ll need to make an informed decision about this course type.

What are T Levels?

T Levels are a new two-year qualification for 16 to 19 year olds that follows GCSEs.

Equivalent to A Levels, they have been created in collaboration with over 250 businesses and are designed to give young people a head start towards the future they want.

What does a T Level include?

80% College: The majority of the T Level is based at College where students are taught by experienced subject experts in an interactive and hands-on learning environment. At College, they’ll gain in-depth knowledge into their chosen specialism, and will develop industry-relevant skills.

20% Work Placement: The T Level includes a nine-week work placement with a local employer. The placement gives students the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience, whilst further developing their skills and knowledge employers need.

What T Level subjects are available?

T Levels are available across 23 different T Level routes nationally, and many of these are offered across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.

Here, at EKC Ashford College, we currently offer T Levels in subject areas including Business, Creative, Computing, Construction, Engineering, and Early Years.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements are a minimum of six GCSEs at grades 9 to 5 or equivalent, ideally including English and mathematics.

It is recommended that applicants for the T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development have a Level 2 qualification in Computing or equivalent.  

Applicants for the T Level in Education and Childcare will need to have a clear DBS check for entry onto the course.

How are T Levels graded?

Students who successfully complete a T Level will be awarded an overall grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*, and receive a nationally recognised certificate.

To achieve one of the above grades, students must complete their technical qualification (comprised of a ‘core’ component and one or more ‘occupational specialism’ components) and work placement and meet the minimum requirements for English and mathematics (if they have not done so already).

Is a T Level Worth the Same Number of UCAS Tariff Points as an A Level?

One T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and is worth the same number of UCAS Tariff points overall.

For example, if a student achieves a Distinction* in their T Level, it is equivalent to achieving three A*s at A Level. The T Level and the three A Levels are both worth 168 UCAS Tariff points.

The table below shows how much each T Level grade is worth in UCAS Tariff points, and the equivalent A Level grades:

UCAS Tariff pointsT Level Overall GradeA Level Grades
168Distinction*
(A* on the ‘core’ and distinction in the ‘occupational specialism’)
A*A*A*
144DistinctionAAA
120MeritBBB
96Pass
(C or above on the ‘core’)
CCC
72Pass
(D or E on the ‘core’)
DDD

What can you do after a T Level?

After completing a T Level, students can enter:

  • Employment
  • University
  • A Higher Apprenticeship
  • A Traineeship
  • Other further study

Want to Know More?

To learn more about T Levels, visit our T Levels page.