ASCL comment on EPI report on T level outcomes

Commenting on report from the Education Policy Institute, examining student access and outcomes for T levels and the T level transition programme (TLTP), Kevin Gilmartin, Post 16 Specialist at the Association of Schools and College Leaders, said:

“This report presents a mixed picture of the rollout of T levels. Clearly some students in some subjects are achieving good outcomes, for others this is not the case and dropout rates remain worryingly high. In some ways this is unsurprising, as introducing a brand new system of qualifications is not straightforward. What is less understandable is the decision to plough ahead with the defunding of BTECs and other applied general qualifications before T levels have been properly embedded.  

“We completely agree that the government should pause the defunding of existing alternatives to T level qualifications. It's obvious that T levels are not currently suitable for all Level 3 learners and this process must be paused until it's demonstrably clear that all young people will have a future pathway to the workplace or further study.”