T Levels

The government’s renewed focus on the role of vocational and technical education in tackling skills shortages has led to the introduction of T level qualifications for 16 to 19 year-olds. Each T Level will be equivalent to three A Levels.

As selected providers are getting ready to roll out the first three T Levels from September 2020, we put a ‘Spotlight’ on NFER’s research & insights on the progress and challenges in preparing for the new qualifications and their delivery.

What are the implications of Covid-19 for T Level recruitment?

Following a July 2020 webinar with T-Level providers that explored the implications of Covid-19 and next steps, NFER has published a paper showcasing the varying perspectives.

'Optimistic preparations continue but Covid-19 heightens challenges'

In a new piece for FE Week, NFER's Suzanne Straw notes that the majority of providers are still generally feeling optimistic about delivery for September, but Covid-19 will amplify existing challenges.

How Aware Are Schools of T Levels?

In March 2020, to gain a deeper understanding of the awareness levels of secondary schools around T Levels, we engaged with over 700 senior leaders and classroom teachers via our Teacher Voice Omnibus Survey.

'Six months from T Levels, speedier progress is needed'

In this piece for TES FE, NFER’s Education to Employment Lead Suzanne Straw presents the results from our third report focusing on awareness of T Levels in schools.

T Levels and the university challenge

The introduction of T Levels presents a significant challenge regarding progression to higher education. In this blog for the Forum for Access and Continuing Education (FACE) NFER’s David Sims explains why.

T Levels Research: December 2019 Follow-Up Report

In October 2019, NFER ran a round table with providers and sector representatives and undertook additional data analysis to produce the second in our series of reports on T levels. The report highlighted that progress was continuing, but significant work remained around raising awareness and understanding of T Levels.

‘Positive preparations continue but challenges remain’

In this FE Week piece, NFER’s Suzanne Straw writes that support for T Levels remains buoyant among schools, colleges and independent training providers, but the qualifications still face a host of challenges.

How Are Providers Preparing for Delivery?

In June 2019, NFER published the first in a series of research studies on how providers are preparing to deliver the first three T Levels. The research included interviews with half the first-wave providers and key sector organisations and focused on progress and challenges in preparing for delivery.

Time for T

In this feature for ASCL’s Leader Magazine, NFER’s Suzanne Straw summarises NFER’s research report on how prepared providers are for delivery of first three T Level qualifications in digital, education and construction.