This HEPI blog was kindly written by Julie Hyde, Director of External and Regulatory Affairs at NCFE.
A new Labour government brings higher education policy into a new focus, both as a reflection of long-standing ideas and a look at what changes are to come. A question Labour undoubtedly faces is how they plan to fix the growing skills gap and ensure the UK economy’s position as a market leader continues to grow.
However, there continues to be interest in whether Labour will reintroduce a similar ambition to Tony Blair’s target of achieving 50 per cent of young adults progressing to higher education; an objective notably scrapped by former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in 2020.
Yet with a staggering 28% increase in university non-continuation rates over the past five years and growing skills gaps across key industries, it might be more appropriate to question if traditional pathways to higher education are always the best option to prepare students to succeed, particularly at university. Instead, if we wish to support as many young people as possible to access higher education, there must be greater diversification of study pathways through which people can reach this goal. Many NCFE learners have seen first-hand how the unique preparation afforded by T Levels can lay exceptional foundations for progressing to higher education.
Specialised learning experiences
Of course, there continues to be uncertainty around the future of Level 3 qualifications, with the government failing to confirm their long-term plans beyond pausing the review until the end of 2024. It is so important that any review considers the broad spectrum of traditional, vocational, and technical qualifications in what they offer learners and how they can broaden opportunities for all young people.
Although recently implemented, T Levels must be considered within this. T Levels offer an occupationally focussed and immersive learning experience for students which helps them access competitive careers and gain core experience. Providing both in-depth knowledge and practical skills in specific sectors, T Levels enable students to specialise early in a field they are genuinely passionate about.
NCFE learner, Ellie Scadden, knew from an early age she wanted to work with children but was unsure what type of setting and role she wanted to pursue as a career. She specifically chose an NCFE Education and Early Years T Level for the industry placement experience it provided, and the learning experience she received confirmed her decision to take her education further.
Through her course, Ellie had the opportunity to learn as a practitioner which included planning activities for her placement, working with designated safeguarding leads, and learning how to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. In her own words, this enabled her to develop the “knowledge and experience to get into university and be successful at interviews”, ensuring she was able to secure offers for her first and second choice universities to study Primary Education.
By encouraging students to be directly involved in their passions, students can learn deeply about their sector and boost their confidence with self-directed and independent learning, enabling them to start university confident and assured in their preparation, ready to make the most of the opportunities available to them in higher education.
Practical and applicable opportunities
Another significant advantage of T Levels is their focus on real-world application and hands-on learning. Abigail Tighe was one of the first students to undertake a T Level in Education and Early Years and specifically chose the qualification based on the possibility of undertaking an industry placement. She now studies a primary teaching degree at the University of Worcester. Abigail cited her main achievement as progressing to university and noted the influence of the course in supporting her to be well-prepared for the admissions interview.
This practical experience is crucial because it allows students to develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field, which can lead to greater competence when they enter university. It also means they have spent time applying their subject in a meaningful way, creating deeper confidence, motivation and investment in their studies. Through this, students feel equipped to navigate the transition to university with a clearer sense of direction and purpose, having already acquired a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in their area of interest.
Independent and self-directed learning
NCFE has also been working with Middlesex University to understand how T Levels can best prepare students for a new stage of rigorous learning. Higher education undoubtedly demands a high level of autonomy, with students expected to manage their time effectively, conduct original research, and engage in critical analysis – much of which they have not had to do independently before.
Middlesex University has worked alongside a local partner school to support the delivery of the T Level in Health (Midwifery), where students can access specialist teaching facilities and placement support through existing links to NHS organisations. With nearly half of students at the school eligible for free school meals (significantly above the national average), the partnership is an opportunity to increase accessibility to students and ensure they have opportunities to engage in independent and practical learning, helping them to be well-prepared for a demanding undergraduate programme.
Providing chances for students to engage in direct practical experiences, self-directed learning, and gain a broader perspective on career possibilities within their sector can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed or underprepared. In turn, their experience encourages them to pursue higher education on a solid foundation of subject knowledge and confidence in their abilities.
Given a clear concern around non-continuation rates in higher education, consideration must be given to diversifying the pathways through which learners can enter higher education. It is well known that one style of learning does not work for all – some learners thrive in traditional A Level settings whilst others experience greater advantage from undertaking vocational qualifications at the same level, due to a preference for coursework over exams.
T Levels – a specialist qualification awarding both practical and theoretical experience for students – can help young learners make informed decisions about their future, pursue their passions, and succeed in their chosen fields backed by expert knowledge, robust skills, and personal confidence. It is time we appreciate the value of access to a broad range of qualifications like T Levels and others if we are going to encourage as many learners as possible to progress to and, most importantly, succeed in higher education.