T Levels

Get ready to take the next step on your educational journey after your GCSEs, and the challenge of a new and exciting type of qualification.

View T Level course at Banbury and Bicester College

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Come to an open event and find out all about our T Levels and how they compare to A Levels and BTECs.

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What are T Levels?

Technical Levels (T Levels) are a new qualification that will be equal to three A Levels.

T Levels are the new technical vocational qualifications introduced by the government to meet the demands of various industries that require a highly skilled and practical workforce. They are designed to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enter employment within industries such as Engineering, IT, Business, Health and more.

Available to school leavers after they have completed their GCSEs, T Levels offer an alternative to A Levels or an apprenticeship.

The difference between a T Level and an A level is that with a T Level, 80% of the course is in the classroom, learning the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where you’ll put these skills into practice.

T Levels have been designed in collaboration with employers and businesses, so that you will learn everything you need to prepare for the workplace. They offer you more practical work experience and industry placement hours as part of your education than any other qualification currently available, except for apprenticeships.

In fact, as part of your T Level education, you will do more than 315 hours of industry placements over the course of your two-year programme.

And because they are the equivalent of three A Levels, T Levels also give you the option to move onto university or a higher apprenticeship once you’ve completed the programme.

The entry requirements for T Levels differ from course to course, but as they are equivalent to A Levels, bear in mind that good GCSE results are necessary. 

What is the difference between T Levels and BTECS?

T Levels are advanced level 3 courses and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. They offer you a much longer period of industry placement (315 hours) and are aimed at students who are very clear on the career path they wish to pursue. The course is a combination of in-class study and work placement.

To undertake a T-Level you will need confidence to work alongside managers and supervisors who will teach you a specific trade and skills, give you real job responsibilities and you will be accountable for your work.

BTEC’s are also advanced level 3 courses and are equivalent to 3 A-Levels however, they have a shorter work experience period (2 weeks) and are mainly focused on developing key skills during practical sessions in college.

Both T Levels and BTECs are the same level and are equal in terms of what you will learn. They are both equally valuable to employers and universities. The main difference is the industry placement and work experience you will gain as part of the practical side of the course.

For both T Levels and BTECs, you will need to be dedicated, highly focused and have a good sense of which career you would like to follow. Depending on your study style, you can choose whichever programme you feel would suit you more. If you don't yet have the grades for T Levels, take a look at our T Level Foundation Year.

How are T Levels graded?

Once you complete your T Level, there are several options that are available to you. These include moving into full-time employment, an apprenticeship or higher education.

To help T Level students get into higher education, UCAS tariff points have been allocated to T Levels, which means they will be equivalent to three A Levels.

UCAS points will only be allocated to the overall T Level grade, so you must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.

UCAS tariff points T Level overall grade A Level
168 Distinction* (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism) AAA*
144 Distinction AAA
120 Merit BBB
96 Pass (C or above on the core) CCC
72 Pass (D of E on the core DDD

Find out more about how T Levels are graded on the government website.

 

What T Levels are available, and when do they start?

We launched T Levels in 2023. From September 2025 we will be offering the following courses:

Over two years, Animal Management and Behaviour students will undertake classroom-based learning, developing an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to employability, such as sustainability, ethical principles, communication, business and health and safety.  You’ll also complete core animal care topics, including some practical work with the range of species in our Animal Management Centre. Topics include: Health and safety, anatomy and physiology, behaviour, welfare.

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Over two years,  Animal Management and Science students will undertake classroom-based learning, developing an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to employability, such as sustainability, ethical principles, communication, business and health and safety.  Alongside this, you’ll also complete core animal care topics, which include some practical work with the range of species in our Animal Management Centre. Topics include: Health and safety, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, biological cells and tissues.

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This course will help you develop a broad range of knowledge relevant to the sector:

  • Business context – an overview of organisational cultures and values, different types of stakeholders, forms of governance and the impact of organisations on society and the environment.
  • Project and change management
  • Business behaviours and the importance of good communication
  • Quality and compliance

In the second year, you will complete the following occupational specialism:

  • Team Leadership/Management

This course is suitable for careers in management and administration. Career options include: business improvement coordinator, team leader, or project support. You could also progress to a higher-level apprenticeship or a degree course.

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Our immersive programme offers a fast-paced journey towards becoming a skilled fashion and textiles specialist; it covers product making, designing, and understanding the creative economy. The course explores industry and career opportunities, focusing on key practical skills defined by employers.

A blend of expert classroom instruction and real-world, industry experience will equip you for diverse roles such as costume design, dressmaker, pattern cutter, creative director, fashion buyer, visual merchandiser, and many more. 

Activate Learning is an approved centre for University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body. 

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This T Level focuses on children and young people and will help you develop the skills and essential knowledge needed for a range of careers.

This is a new two-year course that is designed in collaboration with employers to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of industry or progress into higher education.

You’ll be able to put everything you learn in the classroom into practice. You’ll be given an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, such as a school or nursery, and gain invaluable experience as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

You will learn about the differences between a range of childcare and education provisions, from 0 to 19 years, along with the different stages of development, and the possible barriers.

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his course starts with the essential knowledge and skills to work in healthcare or science including how the industry works, core scientific concepts and key regulations including managing information, health and safety and good scientific/clinical practice.

You will then have the chance to specialise in at least one of the following areas:

  • assisting with healthcare science
  • dental services (making dental devices)
  • optical care services
  • pharmacy services
  • prosthetic and orthotic technical services

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Hear from our employers:

"It has been a pleasure working with Activate Learning to deliver placements for 6 of their T-Level students. We have really enjoyed seeing the students learn and grow in confidence during their time with us, and we are really looking forward to seeing them succeed in their careers. The purpose for delivering placements for us was not only to give students the opportunity to get hands-on business experience, but to form our talent pipeline into our future apprenticeship roles. This has been a success, with 4 of the students due to rejoin us as L6 Management Practice apprentices in August 2025! We are thankful for all of the hard work from our group of students, and for Activate Learning for their partnership."

Abbie Grindley - UKI Country HR Consultant, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) 

“The T Level qualification is a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain hands-on experience working on real-life issues and to bring what they learn in the classroom alive. 

This will develop their skills and bring a young perspective to digital services in Reading. The Digital and IT Service will continue to grow and be at the forefront of council services and become more important in years to come. We will need talented young people in the future.”

Councillor Ellie Emberson - Lead Councillor for Corporate Services and Resources, Reading Borough Council 

“We're delighted that Augustus joined the SP1 IT Solutions Team for his Digital T-Level industry placement! His enthusiasm for learning, great energy, and maturity make him a fantastic addition to our team. This placement is a core part of his qualification, and we’re proud to support the next generation of tech talent by providing hands-on industry experience. A huge thank you to the team at Activate Learning for connecting us with such promising young professionals!"

Stefano Pratesi - Managing Director, SP1 IT Solutions

What is a T Level Foundation Year?

If you think you might like to do a T Level, but need more time to get ready, a T Level Foundation Year will help you develop your skills and prepare you for the next level.

It’s a one-year post-GCSE course designed to give you the relevant knowledge, plus both practical and study skills, as well as work experience.

You can expect to:

  • learn technical knowledge and practical skills relevant to your chosen T Level.
  • gain relevant industry work experience.
  • develop industry-relevant English and maths skills, as well as digital skills.
  • continue working towards achieving a GSCE grade 4 in English and/or maths if you do not already have this.
  • receive focused individual support and growth in personal development.

What’s different about a T Level Foundation Year?

The programme is specifically designed to give you the best chance of progressing onto and successfully completing your chosen T Level. Developed with leading employers, schools and colleges who have provided their unique understanding of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that industry employers look for in future employees.

The programme will provide you with a clear understanding of what a T Level course involves, as well as guaranteeing you an interview for your chosen T Level at the end of the year.

Find out more

Whether you are a prospective student, parent or employer partner, there are additional resources available to find out more about T Levels.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a T Levels student, you can:

  • read more about T Levels on the government website
  • watch Department for Education’s T Level videos
  • register for an upcoming Open Event where you can speak to our teaching staff about T Levels

If your child is currently in Year 10, and thinking about post-GCSE options, you can find out more information to help make the right decision for your child’s future:

  • watch Department for Education’s T Level videos
  • visit the National Careers Service website for information and guidance on all post-16 options for your child
  • speak to the careers advisor at your child’s school
  • register for an upcoming Open Event where you can speak to our teaching staff about T Levels

Discover how our T Levels programmes can benefit your business by visiting our dedicated T Levels page for employers.