Exeter College to introduce T Levels

Only 'outstanding' colleges qualify

Exeter College has been selected to be among the first education providers to introduce a new qualification: T Levels (the T standing for 'technical'). The new standard will be the equivalent of A Levels and has been hailed by prime minister Theresa May as "the most significant reform to advanced technical education in 70 years."

Fifty-two colleges across the country will introduce T-Levels initially, but only Ofsted-rated 'outstanding' ones qualify. Exeter College is the only providers that meets that criteria. 

To begin with, only courses in IT and programming, construction, surveying, architecture and childcare and education will be offered, through a mix of college-based programmes and on-the-job practical experience.

Principal John Laramy welcomes both the introduction of T Levels and the choice of Exeter College to pilot them. "We're moving along a path where there will be academic qualifications, such as A Levels and International Baccalaureate, alongside general qualifications for students who aren't sure yet whether they'll go into work or onto university and then T Levels for people who've decided that they want to follow a particular career. So this will add clarity to the situation which at the moment can be quite confusing. Now we - and the government - need to start educating young people and parents about the different opportunities available."

The first T Level courses will start in September 2020, with a further 22 being introduced the following year, covering finance and accounting, engineering and manufacturing, and creative and design.