In celebration of T Level week, here is a summary of all of our frequently asked questions surrounding T Levels:

What are T Levels?

T Levels are two-year courses which launched in September 2020 and are the equivalent to three A levels. Unlike A Levels, you will only study one subject for your T Level, as well as a compulsory industry placement in a relevant company to your subject.

This means that after completing your GCSEs, you now have the option to study either T Levels, A Levels, Vocational courses, or an Apprenticeship.

How are T Levels graded?

T Levels are graded overall from Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, and Pass, combining results from your core exams, practical coursework, and industry placement.

How are T Levels different from A Levels, Vocational and Apprenticeships? 

T Levels are different from A Levels because they only allow you to study one subject, and include approximately 315 hours of compulsory work experience that you must complete across the two years.

Similar to Vocational courses, also commonly known as BTECs, T Levels focus solely on one subject, however, they also include a compulsory industry placement that gives you the hands-on experience in a work environment.

T Levels are similar to Apprenticeships, however the classroom to industry placement ratio is reversed. This means that with a T Level, you spend around 75% of your course in the classroom, and the other 25% completing work experience, whereas an apprenticeship is far more placement heavy.

Do I need to secure my own industry placement?

No, unlike an apprenticeship, we have a primary responsibility to help source and arrange one for you, however you are able to find one yourself if you wish.

We have a team of experienced staff to assist when finding the correct placement. This team will make contact with you once you are enrolled to the course and between them and the tutor, you will have all the guidance and advice required to select the best option.

Most industry placements will require you to have an interview, and this is a great way to find out their expectations and whether these fit your career aspiration.

Prior to attending the workplace, Weston College will ensure that you are ready for the placement.

Can I go to University with a T Level Qualification?

Yes, the grade you get from your T Level qualification equates to the same number of UCAS points as the sum of 3 A Levels. For example, a Distinction* would be the equivalent of A*A*A* at A Level, and a Pass in a T Level would equate to CCC/DDD in A Levels.

Not only this, you can also progress onto an Apprenticeship or into full-time employment. The T Level prepares you for any future career pathways due to the blend of classroom knowledge and hands-on experience with industry professionals.

What T Level qualifications are offered at Weston College?

There are a wide variety of T Levels offered at Weston College, including:

Will I be kept on at my industry placement following the completion of my T Level?

Your industry placement does not guarantee you will be kept on with the company, however, there have been several instances from previous students where they have been kept on in order to complete an apprenticeship with the company due to their hard work and professionalism throughout their placement. This is completely dependent on the company though, and should not be expected as a typical progression. The experience you gain from the hands-on placement, however, will prepare you for future career prospects or higher education routes.

Want to become a T Level employer?

Each year we grow our T Level provision, with industry placements forming a critical part of the course. As a potential employer, you could foster their future careers and provide them with valuable insight into real employment.

As part of their course, each T Level learner needs to complete a minimum of 315 hours industry placement, which equates to approximately 45 days. This allows them to embed themselves in your organisation and provide that extra pair of hands.

We have hundreds of talented students across our provision that can support you with a wide range of tasks, with learners impressing businesses across many sectors and completing placements across Somerset, Weston, Bristol and beyond.

If you’re interested in finding out more, click here to register your interest.

Eight T Level learners studying Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction recently visited an exciting Bowmer + Kirkland construction project, the new Lime Hills Academy SEN School in the Langford and Churchill area.

The site visit provided learners with a valuable opportunity to see a live construction project in action and connect their classroom learning with real-world industry practices. During the visit, students were welcomed by the B + K Project Manager, David Enever, and two assistant site staff, who shared insights into the planning, coordination, health and safety requirements, and day-to-day management of a major construction project.

Learners explored different areas of the site and gained a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in delivering a large-scale education facility. They also had the chance to ask questions about career pathways, project management, surveying activities, and the challenges of working within the construction sector.

These industry visits form an important part of the T-Level programme, helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence while preparing them for future industry placements and careers in construction.

Weston College would like to thank the Bowmer + Kirkland site management team for their time, expertise, and support in providing such an engaging and informative experience for our learners.

Weston College Customer Service Assistant and former apprentice, India Pasby, has been highly commended in the Intermediate Apprenticeship Award category at the South West regional heat of the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026.

The regional awards ceremony took place on 13 October, recognising India’s inspiring apprenticeship journey, which has seen her overcome significant barriers, achieve a distinction and secure a full-time role at the College.

India started her Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship to gain valuable workplace experience while developing her confidence, communication skills and independence.

As a Reception and Customer Service Apprentice, India has become one of the first friendly faces welcoming visitors, students and parents to the College. Throughout her apprenticeship, she demonstrated exceptional personal and professional growth, developing strong customer service and organisational skills while confidently tackling challenges such as managing telephone calls and engaging in professional settings.

Beyond achieving a distinction in her apprenticeship, India played an important role in helping the reception team achieve its targets, championed greater understanding of neurodiversity among colleagues and created a popular Wall of Positivity at Knightstone Campus to celebrate team achievements and positive feedback.

The judges commented that India’s progression has been fantastic, and that she is a great role model for apprenticeships as she has overcome challenges and is thriving in her role.

Speaking about her recognition, India said: “I am delighted to be highly commended for this award; it feels very surreal. Before starting my apprenticeship, I never thought I'd be able to hold down a job, so being shortlisted means a great deal to me.

“It has made me realise the value of an inclusive environment and the impact that joining Weston College has had on my life. Looking back, I now understand that it wasn't about trying to fit into workplaces by masking who I was. It was about finding an employer that recognised my potential and provided the support I needed to succeed.”

India also thanked her manager, Sarah Cammish, her assessor, Ffion Rose, and her Autism Support colleague, Alison Goodman, for their support throughout her journey.

The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards celebrate outstanding apprentices, T Level students, employers and skills champions across a range of industries. With more than 1,000 entries nationally, the awards recognise excellence in training, recruitment, diversity and career progression.

If you would like to find out about apprenticeships, then click here.