Major new contracts have been awarded to refresh and further develop health and science T Levels.
T Levels are high-quality two-year courses, for 16- to 19-year-olds, which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. They are classroom-based but crucially involve extensive ‘on-the-job’ training through an industry placement lasting around 45 days.
These two T Levels were initially rolled out in 2021. The original contracts to deliver these T Levels are coming to an end, so IfATE ran a competitive bidding process for awarding organisations to take them forward. The contracts have been awarded as follows:
The learning requirements for all T Levels are set out by employer experts - but they are prepared for teaching and assessment by awarding organisations. The successful bidders for these ‘Generation 2’ contracts will now refresh and further develop the content and assessment methods.
These contracts will run until 31 July 2034.
Chris Morgan, IfATE's deputy director of commercial, said: "I'm delighted that the contracts have now been awarded. Pearson has an impressive record with delivering T Levels and are well placed to build on the successes of the Health and Science T Levels, which continue to be a fantastic choice for learners."
Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said: "We are delighted to bring our expertise in delivering rigorous and high-quality qualifications to these important contracts. Building a strong flow of talent into the health and science sectors is vital to the Government's mission of supporting an NHS that is fit for the future. As the largest T Level provider, we are committed to providing qualifications that enable students to progress and thrive in these sectors."
The T Level in Healthcare Science is helping learners progress into positive destinations, however enrolments will cease with the final cohort enrolling in September 2025.
We will instead consolidate Healthcare Science within the wider route, so that from September 2026 onwards, learners wishing to pursue assisting in healthcare science occupations can do so via the Health or Science T Levels.