A recent blog discussed the different options that await students after completing their GCSEs. Since then, a new group of courses was announced that is touted to give post-16 year olds a more direct path towards a career. T-levels were developed in collaboration with businesses to give students on-the-job skills. The first of the two-year courses will be introduced in September at selected schools, colleges and other providers and will gradually be phased in over the coming years.

Qualifications will include courses on a wide array of professions such as accounting, catering, finance, healthcare, education, hair and beauty and manufacturing to meet industry demands and get students “work fit”. Students who complete their T-levels will receive a nationally recognised certificate confirming attendance, grades and a breakdown of the skills attained. T-levels will become one of the three main choices for students alongside apprenticeships and A-levels for the more academically inclined.

Post GCSE courses scrapped to accommodate T-levels

In conjunction with the new T-levels comes the announcement by the Education Secretary that 5000 post-GCSE courses will be dropped due to lack of enrollment. “Removing funding for qualifications that have no or low numbers of enrolments will help make sure students have a clearer choice of the qualifications on offer, and ensure they get the skills they need to progress.” says Education Minister Gavin Williamson.

The type of qualifications being dropped are for disciplines such as dry-stone walling, nail art and warehouse management. The list also includes many entry-level qualifications and courses that are designed to specifically aid pupils with learning challenges. The move is intended to funnel more funding towards more popular qualifications that teach the skills needed for successful careers.

A more hands on approach

With many young people being disinterested in classroom learning, T-levels will come as a welcome introduction to their list of post-GCSE options. Courses are aimed at students looking for an alternative to A-levels and are also targeted at those who do not wish to take an apprenticeship. Learning by doing is very much part and parcel of the new courses. For students who prefer the classroom, A-levels and other routes will offer suitable options to pursue their academic ambitions.

While there are concerns that T-levels may deliver a lesser quality education than A-levels, completion of a course is equated to attainment of three A-levels and students who achieve top scores in a T-level course will have attained the equivalent of three A*s. The reduction of courses and implementation of T-levels was first discussed in 2017 as a means to reduce student and employer confusion due to the amount of courses available and is part of a wider effort to gear qualifications to real world careers.

Talk to us about your child’s academic ambitions

Whatever their dreams, having access to quality early education is the best way to prepare children for the future. Boost Education is committed to providing highly personalised after school tutoring to children across the United Kingdom. With centres in Ilford, Stratford, Slough and Ealing, our growing footprint means we’re reaching more and more children each year. If you live in the vicinity of a Boost Education centre then why not come and meet our friendly GCSE tutors? We’re always ready to discuss our services and give parents and students advice on all things education.

Alternatively, you can book your child’s free learning assessment and we’ll be in touch soon.