Commenting on the latest report on T Level qualifications
from the National Foundation for Educational Research
(NFER), Dr Mary Bousted, Joint
General Secretary of the National Education Union,
said:
“NFER is right that there has to be a concerted effort to
raise awareness about the new T Level awards, particularly around
the uncertainty about progression routes. Policymakers need to
provide more clarity on the progression from T Levels to
university and to Level 4 apprenticeships. If Russell Group
universities won’t accept students with T Levels, then the idea
of parity will never be more than a pipedream.
“The grading of the award continues to be confusing, with
E-A* grades proposed for the core and Pass, Merit, Distinction
for the specialist components, is confusing and conflates General
Qualifications grading with BTEC style grading. This will not
help learners, parents, universities or employers.
“Work experience is a key part of the T levels, but
difficulties around the length of time needed, the employers
willing and able to offer work placements, and student safety in
workplaces involved in construction, hospitals etc have still not
been resolved
“Last year the Permanent Secretary asked for a delay of a
year for implementation. This was declined by the then Secretary
of State, . The first tranche of T Levels
will be rolled out in September 2020. The Secretary of State
should have listened to the civil servants – the T Level
implementation should be delayed until the many wrinkles are
ironed out.”
