Edge’s new report: Student Voices: What Are Students Saying About Their Experiences of T Levels? examines student perspectives on T Levels. Written in collaboration with Professor Kevin Orr and based on insights from over 200 students and staff from 11 colleges, it highlights both the promise and challenges of T Levels. Students were drawn to the industry placement component but often felt misinformed about course expectations. Delivery varied due to high teacher turnover and diversity in teaching methods. While T Levels prepared many for employment, addressing placement relevance and ensuring broader recognition are crucial to realising the full potential of T Levels.
Students often chose T Levels because of the industry placements and perceived career advantages. However, many felt misled about key aspects of the program, for example the balance between theoretical and practical learning. While some found the placements valuable for gaining hands-on experience and confidence, others faced delays and mismatches between their placements and course content. The delivery of T Levels also varied significantly. High teacher turnover, insufficient resources, and a lack of standardised teaching practices impacted students’ experiences. Many students appreciated the mix of theoretical and practical learning but found the first year overly focused on classroom instruction due to exam preparation.
Despite these challenges, students generally valued the coherence of T Levels, which aligned their learning with specific career paths. The student voice is invaluable in understanding the real impact of T Levels. Their insights shed light on the strengths and shortcomings of T Levels, revealing how policies affect their learning, career preparation and future opportunities
Year 2 Health (Social Care) student"I think it is mainly the placement, because you get a lot of experience. You're at the hospital- most of us went to a hospital, and (the more) you saw- the more you appreciated how everything works, the different career paths you can take and where to go to get that career. Like, it's not just uni or college"
Looking ahead, T Level students expressed a wide range of aspirations, from university to apprenticeships and direct employment. They generally felt prepared for the workforce, thanks to the work placement element of the course, but some remained uncertain about their future options, particularly regarding university acceptance of T Level qualifications. This report underscores the importance of incorporating student feedback into policy decisions to improve the effectiveness, relevance, and equity of T Levels.
Written by
Dana Dabbous, Josh Patel, Kat Emms, Andrea Laczik, Kevin Orr, Holly Papworth, Sorah Gluck , Olly Newton
