The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 s.A2D6(4) requires IfATE to publish information about matters it takes into account when deciding whether or not to withdraw approval of a Technical Qualification.

This page sets out the matters that IfATE will take into account when deciding whether or not to withdraw approval of a T Level Technical Qualification (T Level TQ) or T Level Occupational Specialism (OS) and the process IfATE will follow in doing so. 

1. Withdrawal Criteria

We will consider the following when deciding whether to withdraw approval.

Where there are concerns that the T Level TQ no longer adheres to the service requirements, as set out in the T Level TQ contract:

  • after they have been awarded, all T Level Contracts can be found using the Contract finder service. The most recent T Levels Generation 2 Wave 1 contracts can be found by searching “T Levels Generation 2 Wave 1”and selecting ‘awarded contract’

Where a qualification is no longer aligned with the occupational standard(s) it was approved against and sufficient changes to the T Level TQ cannot be made to retain approval. The change process that will be followed is set out in the contract awarded for each T Level TQ.

Where there is a retirement of a recognised occupation and or standard on the occupational maps, IfATE will review all qualifications linked to that occupation and decide whether:

  • the qualification should continue to be approved OR
  • the qualification must be revised to retain its approval status

Where a suitability and viability analysis of a T Level TQ or OS is undertaken and the subsequent analysis recommends withdrawal of approval then the Withdrawals process will be followed. Where a T Level TQ or OS consistently has low or zero starts for an extended period of time this may prompt a suitability and viability analysis to be undertaken).

We have oversight of the skills system and periodically review approved TQs. Therefore, IfATE may question the ability of a TQ to deliver for employers. For example, we may decide to withdraw approval of a qualification that:

  • demonstrates a weak relationship between achievement and progression
  • or has low starts and/or completion rates.

The quality of a T Level is brought into question through IfATE’s ongoing oversight of the contracts.

The above list is not exhaustive. Legislation allows IfATE to take into account such other matters that we consider appropriate in a particular case (A2D6(6)). Furthermore, the matters that we take into consideration may be different for different purposes (A2D6(5)).

When deciding whether to withdraw approval we are also required by ASCLA (s.ZA2) to consider:

  • employers’ and learners’ reasonable requirements
  • the need to ensure that education and training within our remit
  • that the TQ is of an appropriate quality
  • that the TQ represents good value in relation to financial resources provided out of public funds
  • any information provided to us by any person designated by the Secretary of State for this purpose

 

2. The process for deciding whether to withdraw approval

Where we decide that revision or withdrawal of a T Level TQ or OS must be considered we will take the following steps, depending on the circumstances surrounding the need to consider withdrawal or revision.

Can Changes be made to the T Level?

Where IfATE determines that changes are required for the T Level in question to retain approval, any change requests raised by IfATE or by the AO will first be internally assessed to understand the changes required.

A triage meeting will be held to assess whether the change falls into the inclusive or external change process (as outlined in clause 8 of the contract) and the relevant process will be followed. 

If an exclusive change is required and relates to the removal of an occupational specialism, this will be reviewed and discussed by the triage group. If OS removal is deemed appropriate, then the exclusive change removals process will be followed.

Withdrawal outside of the Change Process

Outside of the change processes, a T Level may be flagged for potential withdrawal through a number of channels:

through the annual review process

  • by Ofqual as the regulator
  • by the AO
  • the Route Group
  • by the Senior Contract manager
  • DfE

In this instance an initial meeting would be held to assess the T Level and outline the initial reasons why withdrawal is being considered and may be escalated to the TQ Board where there are high levels of technical, commercial or political risk for input. Suitability Analysis will be carried out by the senior project manager and may consider:

  • recruitment/demand
  • progression
  • viability
  • deliverability  
  • other qualifications/provisions in the space
  • feedback from providers

The analysis and recommendations will be taken to the TQ Board and if withdrawal is recommended and agreed by the TQ Board the withdrawals process (as set out below) will be followed.

After the TQ board has agreed a recommendation this will be communicated to the AO.  If the withdrawal of a T Level is being considered, IfATE will also inform DfE and Ofqual. When a final decision is made, IfATE will inform these organisations of the decision.

 

3. The T Level TQ Withdrawals process

If a T Level is recommended for withdrawal, the recommendation will be agreed by the IfATE Technical Qualification Programme Board and then passed to the CEO to make a decision. If agreed, IfATE colleagues will work with DfE to make a recommendation to Ministers. If Ministers agree the T Level should be withdrawn then the necessary contractual procedures will take place.

If withdrawal is agreed we will confirm our decision, notifying the awarding organisation in writing of:

  • the qualification’s updated approval status
  • the reasons for withdrawing approval (if applicable)
  • the date from which the updated status takes effect
  • any next steps required by the awarding organisation

Where possible, proposed withdrawal of approval will be communicated to the relevant AO more than 6 months before the start of a new academic year.

AOs have the right to request a procedural review of our withdrawal decision.

 

Published 24 February 2025
Last updated 24 February 2025
(MG, NS)