Today Ofsted has published the final thematic review report on T
levels and the T Level Transition Programme (TLTP).
This found that confidence in teaching is on the rise, but some
confusion remains among learners and employers.
The review was commissioned by the Department for Education
(DfE) to assess the
early implementation of the new qualifications and follows on
from Ofsted’s interim report released in October 2022.
The review shows that when T level learners receive high-quality
information, advice, and guidance from experienced teachers, they
are more likely to achieve good results and less likely to drop
out. However, the initial assessment of students’ abilities at
the start of their courses is often weak.
Read the ‘T-level thematic review:
final report’.
The practical aspects of courses are generally taught well but
teachers often struggle to teach theoretical content in
sufficient depth. The quality of industry placements still varies
considerably across individual providers and courses, with
employers often being poorly informed about the content and
structure of T levels.
Since our last report, the
TLTP curriculum
has generally improved with many providers showing good enrolment
figures, but a large number of students are still not pursuing a
T level course when they complete the programme.
Ofsted has issued several recommendations for providers
including:
- ensuring that students receive accurate information about
T-level courses and the TLTP so they can make informed choices
before they enrol
- working more closely and collaboratively with employers to
ensure that industry placements and work experience opportunities
are more tailored to the courses
- collaborating with other providers to share resources and
best practice to further improve the quality and effectiveness of
the curriculum, teaching and the assessment of T-level courses
and the TLTP
Ofsted will inspect T levels as part of their regular inspections
from September 2023.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, said:
As with many new qualifications, there are some teething issues
with T levels, but in most cases providers and employers seem to
be working well together to address them. However, we saw a range
of shortcomings which providers and the Department for Education
will want to address.
When done well, they can be a strong option for learners who
prefer a vocational route through education as a path to their
intended career.
