T-levels: Top grade in new technical qualification to equal three A*s at A-level
The highest grade in the government’s new "T-levels" will be the equivalent to three A*s at A-level.
New details of the technical qualifications show that a distinction* in one of the courses will carry the same number of Ucas tariff points - which are used by universities when making offers - as achieving three top A-level grades.
T-levels are set to be introduced from September next year. They will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and “on-the-job” experience via an industry placement of approximately 45 days.
“They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship,” according to Department for Education (DfE) guidance.
One two-year T-level will be considered a full educational programme and is therefore the same as studying three A-levels.
A distinction in one T-level will carry the same number of points as three A grades at A-level, and a merit the same points as three Bs.
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Students will be able to take a T-level in a variety of subject areas including accountancy, animal care and management, catering, design, health, and onsite construction.
T-level subject areas
Students will be able to take the new qualifications in the following areas:
accountancy
agriculture, land management and production
animal care and management
building services engineering
catering
craft and design
cultural heritage and visitor attractions
design, development and control
design, surveying and planning
digital business services
digital production, design and development
digital support and services
education
financial
hair, beauty and aesthetics
health
healthcare science
human resources
legal
maintenance, installation and repair
management and administration
manufacturing and process
media, broadcast and production
onsite construction
science
"T-levels will be the gold standard technical course of choice for young people post-16 and will carry Ucas points equivalent to three of our world-class A-levels,” a DfE spokeswoman said.
“This means young people, parents and employers can be confident T Levels will be just as stretching as their academic equivalents, and will offer students the option of progressing to the next level, whether that is a job, higher technical training, a degree or an apprenticeship."
A spokeswoman for universities group Universities UK said: "Awarding Ucas points to T Levels is an important first step in opening up possibilities for T Level students.
"University admissions officers are working with government to ensure that students who take T Levels have a range of opportunities available to them.
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“It is for individual universities to decide which students they admit for each course and the qualifications they will need."
The first three T-levels - in education, digital studies and construction - will be taught in 50 colleges in England from next year.
The DfE says the new technical courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to ensure the content "meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work."
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