An overview of what you need to know about this year’s T-level results.
On Thursday 14th August, it is not only results day for A-levels, but also for T-levels and other level 3 vocational qualifications.
What are T-levels?
T-levels are 2-year vocational qualifications for 16-19 year olds in England.
T-levels are…
- focused on more ‘practical’ than ‘academic’ subjects
- a mixture of classroom and work experience
- an introduction to the workplace (a work placement makes up about 20% of course (at least 45 days)).
T-levels may be similar to apprenticeships in having a work experience element, but with apprenticeships this percentage is much higher with around 80% of a student’s course time spent working. 1
There are currently 21 T-level subjects to choose from, including: Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal care and Management; Management and administration; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Craft and Design; Media, Broadcast and Production; Digital Data Analytics; Digital Software Development; Digital Support and Security; Education and Early Years; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Health; Healthcare Science; Science; Accounting; Finance; Legal Services; and Marketing. 2
Students can also take a T Level Foundation Year before a full T-level qualification if they want additional help before taking their 2-year course. The 1-year course, “will enable you to develop your English and maths, practical, technical and study skills, and provide work experience to help you excel in your T-Level.” 2
T-levels statistics
Here are a few interesting statistics on T-levels:
- The number of students taking them has increased year on year.
- There are 25,508 entrants in the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Only 71% of students in 2022 completed their T-level qualification, in comparison to a 90% average for A-levels and other equivalent qualifications.
- The overall pass rate decreased in 2024 to 88.7% (down from 90.5%). 1
How are T-levels graded?
A student’s final marks are a combination of exams, coursework and completion of their work placement. A student’s final grade is equivalent to three A-levels. The grades are as follows: Distinction* (equivalent to A*A*A* at A-level), Distinction (equivalent to AAA), Merit (equivalent to BBB), Pass – C or above on core section (equivalent to CCC) and Pass – D or E on core section (equivalent to DDD).
They are worth the same number of Ucas points as their equivalent A-level grades so, for example, both Merit at T-level and BBB at A-level are equivalent to 120 Ucas points. T-levels are accepted entry qualifications for more than 150 UK universities and colleges. 1
Results, clearing and appeals
As with A-levels, there are options for students to receive their results in person (at their college) or to have them emailed or sent in the post. If a T-level student hasn’t received the results they needed for a conditional offer, they can use the UCAS university clearing process. Clearing can help a student find alternative university providers who accept T-level qualifications that may have an available space for a student. If you think your results aren’t right, your first step is to speak with your college so they can get in touch on your behalf with the exam board. If a student is unsure what to do about their results and their next steps, or if they have other questions about further education and employment, they can contact the National Careers Service.
Learn more about T-levels
Grades aren’t everything
We wish the best of luck to students getting their T-Level results this week (and their teachers, parents etc.). However, if the grades aren’t what you are hoping for – don’t panic! There are plenty of opportunities still available. Taking these qualifications is a huge achievement, whatever the result – and your grades are only one part of the achievements you will have to show from your studies. Don’t forget the importance of the industry experience you will have gained during your course, too!
