Designed in conjunction with businesses and employers, T levels are a two-year qualification that students in England can take after GCSEs as an alternative to A levels, other post-16 courses or an apprenticeship. They provide crucial first-hand experience to 16-to-18-year olds that can help them progress in their chosen field.
T levels were only introduced in September 2020, and concerns have been raised about government stopping funding courses such as BTECS before new T levels are ready to replace them.
T levels are also a bit of a minefield for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who had been expecting to take a BTEC following secondary school. Now, they have to adjust and get their head around a whole new type of course. In-depth planning is the key, so how can we enable a smooth transition for SEND students?
BTECs involve a lot of practical work and include work placements. T levels, on the other hand, are 80% classroom while just 45 days are spent in a work placement.
