Responding to the publication of the T
level action plan by the Department for Education, Anne Murdoch,
Senior Adviser in College Leadership at the Association of School
and College Leaders, said:
“There are several areas of concern around the rollout of T
levels. The number of enrollments, while growing, are still
relatively small and the retention rate is worryingly low.
Schools and colleges are still uncertain about exactly what
qualifications they can offer in 2026, with T levels not covering
all subjects and some being scrapped before ever seeing the light
of day.
“Implementing a brand new qualifications system is not simple,
and the difficulties the Department for Education are having are
understandable to some extent. What is unforgivable is the rush
to dispense with tried and tested BTECs and other qualifications
before T levels have been properly embedded. There is a risk that
many students will be left without a viable post-16 pathway.
“It may well be that T levels are ultimately successful and boost
skills education in the way the government is hoping, although
plans for the Advanced British Standard have already cast doubt
on their longevity. But by sweeping away other, popular
vocational qualifications, the government is gambling with the
futures of thousands of young people.”
