Overview

A T Level is split into three main sections:

  • technical qualification (TQ) is the main, classroom-based element. Students will learn about their chosen sectors through a curriculum designed by employers and developed by an awarding organisation (AO).
  • industry placement runs for a minimum of 315 hours (45 days) overall and will give students practical insights into their sector and an opportunity to embed the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
  • English, maths and digital provision are also built into the classroom-based element of the T Level, meaning students will be given a solid foundation of transferable skills.

Education and Early Years

Two students in a classroom with the teacher speaking to one of them, helping them solve a problem

The core element of a T Level in education and early years will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding in a broad range of topics such as child development, safeguarding and special educational needs, as well as learning about the role of families and support agencies.  It’s a diverse and fascinating subject, and you’ll be able to delve into the specifics of social interaction, how language is acquired and understanding behaviour.  You’ll also build your skills in becoming a reflective practitioner with an understanding of the broader context of education.

You’ll then be able to choose a specialism, which is designed to support your interests and ambitions to progress in a specific area. This is where you can get deeper into your chosen subject, developing and practising the skills needed for an occupation.  

TQ occupational specialisms and expected year of delivery

  • Early years educator - 2020
  • Assisting teaching - 2020

Information

Date approved – 1 April 2020

Available from – September 2020

Awarding Organisation - NCFE

Outline Content - Education and early years

There are no mandatory additional requirements

Find your nearest T Level provider

Provider information - T Levels information for educators

Industry placements - T Levels for employers and How to get involved

Outline Content provider for reference only please visit NCFE for the current TQ information

Grading

The overall grade is subject to completion of all T Level requirements – not just the components of the technical qualification (TQ).

T Level grades are worked out from students’ grades for the technical qualification core and occupational specialisms. For example: to be awarded a Distinction*, you must achieve an A* in the core and a Distinction in the occupational specialism(s).

 To ensure fairness, the tables are slightly different for different T Levels depending on the size of the core component and occupational specialisms (OS), based on the guided learning hours (GLH).

A T Level grade of distinction * is A * in core and a distinction * in occupational specialisms. A T Level grade of distinction is A * in core and a distinction, merit or pass in occupational specialisms. A T Level grade of distinction is A in core and a distinction, merit in occupational specialisms. A T Level grade of distinction is B in core and a distinction in occupational specialism. A T Level grade of Merit is B in core and a merit, pass in occupational specialism. A T Level grade of Merit is C in core and a distinction, merit or pass in occupational specialism. A T Level grade of Merit is D in core and a distinction in occupational specialism. A T Level grade of pass is D in core and a merit, pass in occupational specialism. A T Level grade of pass is E in core and distinction in occupational specialism

Core GLH

Occupational Specialism(s) GLH

Total GLH

Proportions %

360

545 -556 (550 average)

910

Core 40%

OS 60%

As well as passing the relevant technical qualification, the following elements are required to achieve an overall T Level grade:

  • industry placement: This will be arranged and verified by the provider offering the T Level. For more guidance on next steps for provider visit GOV.UK
  • students are required to work towards improving attainment in maths and English if they have not already achieved grade 4 at GCSE or equivalent. Where students have attained, or attain during the course of the T Level, maths and or English qualifications at level 2, this will be referenced on any T Level certificates and/or statements of achievement

Students who do not pass all elements of their T Level will get a T Level statement of achievement which will show the elements they have completed.

TQ occupational specialisms with the relevant standards and occupations

Early years educator

Assisting teaching