The future of T Levels: what we know and what’s next

The first three T Levels launched in England in 2020 to give students the opportunity to develop skills in specialist occupations across construction, digital, and education and childcare. A total of 18 more T Levels rolled out in subsequent years, addressing critical skills gaps and giving employers a wider talent pool to hire in.

In recent years there have been calls to overhaul the system based on challenges around delivery, recruitment, and retention. As the new Prime Minister sets out his stall on the importance of vocational skills, what will happen to T Levels?

Are T Levels being scrapped?

There are currently no plans to discontinue T Level qualifications. In May, the Department for Education (DfE) published its post-16 pathways implementation plan, which included among other things, a pledge for further delivery of T Levels.

More than 20 current T Levels will continue to offer the specialist skills training that students have found useful in beginning a new career, and will soon be joined by new T Level subjects.

What was the Advanced British Standard?

A 2022 proposal by the government to reform T Levels involved merging them together with A Levels to produce a single Level 3 qualification, called the Advanced British Standard. The plan was scrapped in July 2024.

Which T Levels are being discontinued?

The DfE confirmed it would withdraw the T Level in Finance. The final cohort begins in September 2026.

The Healthcare Science T Level began its final cohort in September 2025.

And a number of courses including beauty, catering, and onsite construction have been withdrawn in recent years due to low demand.

But more T Level qualifications are set to be introduced in the next couple of years - in 2028, new T Levels will be introduced within the fields of Health and Science, and Sport.

How will T Levels be changing?

The DfE has announced a number of changes to the structure and delivery of T Levels, to maintain the positive momentum that has come from increasing numbers of starts within the last two years, and continue to provide a wide range of pathways for students.

Changes to industry placements

One of the biggest changes to T Levels will give employers and students more flexibility to access industry placement experiences.

• Placements can now involve multiple employers working collaboratively to provide a student's industry placement.
• Students can spend more hours working remotely (although remote work should still be no more than 20% of the placement time, where possible).
• Part of the placement can be taken in other ways like learning hubs, team projects, or other taster activities, alongside the main face-to-face industry placement.
• Rather than someone on the teaching side, placements must be overseen by someone on the industry side who will set tasks and check up on progress. The industry professional will also provide extra support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Students will agree on their learning objectives for the placement, so they can be sure they’re completing the most appropriate and relevant tasks.

Course content streamlined

Assessments place heavy demand on staff and student hours. Streamlining the content of courses allows them the time to focus on developing the most relevant skills and knowledge together. The DfE announced changes to make T Levels “more manageable for providers to deliver at scale”. According to the announcement, new T Levels will be reduced by 100 guided learning hours, from a minimum of 1,180 hours to 1,080 hours.

More flexible exam resits

Ofqual will be taking a closer look at a more flexible approach to Core exam resits. Instead of retaking all Core Exam papers, students would be able to retake only the paper they need to improve. For students worried about the pressure of getting their results, this can be a big help.

T Level Foundation Year to be replaced

From 2027 the T Level Foundation Year will be renamed simply the Foundation Year, and will act as a short-term, flexible pathway to other Level 3 routes for students. The Foundation Year will eventually be phased out by a wider Further Study pathway.

See more about these proposed changes on the Career Development Institute website:

CDI Understanding the changes to T Levels

Will T Levels continue?

T Levels are undergoing some changes. Some qualifications have been wound up, and there will be changes to the way qualifications are run. New T Levels will have reduced classroom hours, and offer more flexibility over industry placements. With the coming years expected to bring more specialist subjects into the fold, and more choice for students, T Levels will continue to provide a solid start to a career in their chosen sector.

Visit the EAL T Levels page