October 2023
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference was an opportunity to consider the continued rollout of T Levels in England.
It took place following:
- the latest set of T Level results, which revealed that a third of wave two students did not complete their course
- Ofsted’s thematic review of T Levels, which suggested that work is still needed to improve the quality and effectiveness of the qualifications
- the Education Committee’s the future of post-16 qualifications report
- the delays in delivery of wave four T Levels until 2024
The conference was an opportunity to discuss:
- T Level delivery: assessing progress and the current state position
- building on best practice: lessons learnt so far and next steps for continued rollout
- T Level students: recruitment and support
- post-T Level: progression routes
- the next wave: priorities for T Levels moving forward and implications of the announced delays to rollout
- addressing issues: assessing concerns raised in Ofsted’s thematic review and the Education Committee’s report
As it took place in light of concern surrounding course quality, the scope of opportunities for industry placements, and collaboration in curriculum design, delegates discussed next steps for engagement with employers and educators to support industry placements and raise awareness of the changing qualification landscape.
Stakeholders and policymakers considered priorities for improving accessibility and inclusivity with the implementation of adult pilot programmes and the T Level Transition Programme, and examined the progress of students taking part in the transition year, with discussion on improving success rates and progression to level 3 qualifications.
Delegates also assessed post-T Level routes, including progression to higher education, employment and apprenticeships, looking at the role of universities, qualification providers, and employers in these pathways.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Craig Myers, Deputy Director for T Level Policy, Department for Education; Carmel Grant, Deputy Director, Commissioning and Development, Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education; and John Yarham, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, The Careers and Enterprise Company.
Further sessions looked at:
- improving access to T Levels, including for students with lower academic attainment and SEND - improving engagement with SMEs to aid accessibility in rural areas
- the expansion of qualifications to include adult learners - rectifying regional disparities in access to quality provision
- aligning provision with the needs of the labour market - helping address both local and national skills shortages
- evaluating student satisfaction and experience in the study of T Levels
- improving information, advice and guidance to provide clarity for students and educators
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DBT; Defra; DfE; DHSC; DLUHC; DWP; GLD; HMPPS; IfATE; MOJ; Ofsted; and VOA.
