The Department for Education has commissioned Ofsted to
carry out a thematic survey on the implementation of T
levels and the T-level transition
programme. The survey will take place over their first
2 years of operation, 2020/21 and 2021/22.
T levels are challenging new technical qualifications at
level 3. They are equivalent to 3 A levels and include a
substantial industry placement. They are intended to
deliver high-standard technical education to prepare young
people to work in a number of important occupations that
meet the needs of industry.
The T-level transition programme is targeted at students
who are not yet ready to start a T level but who have the
potential to undertake one following a programme of
tailored support and preparation.
The first 3 T-level courses began in September 2020. They
comprise:
- design, surveying and planning for construction
- digital production, design and development
- education and childcare
Ofsted’s Deputy Director, Further Education and Skills,
Paul Joyce, said:
We will be visiting a sample of providers delivering T
levels and transition programmes from January 2021,
either remotely or in person where consideration of
public health measures permits.
Our inspectors will apply the education inspection
framework (EIF) methodology to assess educational
effectiveness and the quality of education. Our objective
is to provide an independent overview of the quality of T
levels.
The strengths, weaknesses, areas for improvement and good
practice identified will be aggregated and fed back to
the government, as well as to providers, employers, and
learners.
An interim report on Ofsted’s findings will be published in
September 2021 following the first year of the survey. The
full report will be published in September 2022.
