Deciding what to do after your GCSEs can feel like a massive decision. Do you go for A levels? An apprenticeship? What if neither feels quite right?
Luckily, there’s another option on the table: T levels. First launched in September 2020, T levels are a relatively new choice for students. They mix classroom learning with practical, on-the-job experience, giving you the best of both worlds.
If you’re wondering what T levels are, and whether they’re the right path for you, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about T level qualifications:
What are T levels?
T levels are two-year courses that you can take after finishing your GCSEs.
So, what do T levels stand for? The ‘T’ stands for ‘Technical’. They’ve been designed with employers to give you the skills and knowledge needed for a specific industry. Think of them as a practical alternative to A levels and a more classroom-based alternative to an apprenticeship.
The course is split, with 80% of your time spent in the classroom and the other 20% on an industry placement. This means you get a qualification and real-world work experience at the same time.
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How do T levels work?
A T level qualification is made up of a few different parts.
Here’s a breakdown of the course structure:
- A technical qualification (TQ): This is the main classroom-based part of the T level. It includes core theory and specialist skills for a specific career path.
- An industry placement: You’ll spend at least 315 hours (around 45 days) working for an employer in your chosen sector. This is your chance to put your new skills into practice.
- English and maths: If you haven’t already got a grade 4 or above in English and maths GCSE, you’ll work towards achieving this as part of your T level.
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What is a T level equivalent to?
A T level is broadly equivalent to three A levels.
Because T levels carry UCAS points, just like A levels, they can be your ticket to university or higher education. The number of points depends on your final grade, which can be a pass, merit, distinction, or distinction*.
Here’s a quick look at how T level UCAS points compare to A level grades:
| T level overall grade | UCAS tariff points | A level equivalent |
| Distinction* | 168 | A*A*A* |
| Distinction | 144 | AAA |
| Merit | 120 | BBB |
| Pass (C or above on the core) | 96 | CCC |
| Pass (D or E on the core) | 72 | DDD |
What T levels are available?
There are now 21 T levels available across a wide range of industries.
What T level you can take depends on what your local colleges and schools offer. Some of the most popular T levels include:
- Healthcare
- Onsite construction
- Digital production, design and development
- Education and early years
- Accounting
- Engineering
- Legal services
- Marketing
Many awarding bodies offer these qualifications, with NCFE T levels being a common option provided by many schools and colleges.
What can I do after a T level?
After completing your T level, you’ll have several options.
The combination of a technical qualification and hands-on experience opens doors to:
- Skilled employment: You’ll be ready to jump straight into a job in your chosen industry.
- Higher education: T levels are accepted by many universities, so you can go on to study for a degree.
- An apprenticeship: You could continue your training with a higher-level apprenticeship, earning while you learn.
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Is a T level right for me?
T levels are a great choice if you have a clear idea of the industry you want to work in and prefer practical, hands-on learning.
They offer a structured path into a specific career while keeping your options open for further study. If you’re ready to get stuck into the world of work but still want the classroom experience, a T level could be the perfect fit.
However, if you enjoy purely academic subjects and want to study a range of them, A levels might be a better route. And if you’re keen to start working and earning straight away, an apprenticeship could be the way to go.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to some common questions about T level education:
What’s the difference between a T level and an apprenticeship?
The main difference is the split between work and study. A T level is about 80% classroom-based and 20% on a work placement. An apprenticeship is the opposite, with about 80% of your time spent on-the-job and 20% in training.
How are T levels graded?
T levels are graded as pass, merit, distinction, or distinction*. You’ll get an overall grade for the qualification, plus separate grades for the core component (A* to E) and your occupational specialism (pass, merit, or distinction).
What is a T level foundation year?
The T level foundation year is a one-year programme for students who want to do a T level but need some extra preparation. It helps you build the technical skills, knowledge, and English and maths needed to succeed on a full T level course.
Are T levels free?
For students aged 16-19, T levels are free to study at a publicly funded school or college, just like A levels.
Final thoughts
Deciding what to do after leaving school isn’t always straightforward, and there’s no single path that fits everyone.
T levels offer a practical alternative to more traditional study routes, combining classroom learning with on-the-job experience. They’re designed to help you build skills for specific industries, and can lead into work, apprenticeships, or further study – including university.
That said, T levels may not be the right fit for everyone. The best route depends on your interests, your preferred way of learning, and your long-term goals.
Whatever you choose, the key is to think about what works best for you and where you want to go next.
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