Popular sixth-form vocational qualifications such as BTecs should be retained until the success of T-level qualifications can be fully evaluated, the National Audit Office (NAO) has suggested.
In its investigation into the introduction of the new qualification launched in 2020, the NAO noted that T-levels had been less popular and more expensive than alternatives, with only 25,000 students enrolled this year, hampered by “uncertain” economic benefits.
The NAO recommended that the Department for Education (DfE) monitor “the potential impact on T-level demand, benefits, costs and approach before making wider strategic changes and decisions around the development of the technical qualifications landscape”.
The DfE had initially forecast that 100,000 students would be enrolled in the two-year qualification by 2027, when it planned to stopped funding “applied general qualifications” (AGQs) including many BTecs. But that forecast has since been revised down as fewer than expected students have enrolled, to a central estimate of fewer than 50,000 by 2027.
In contrast, more than 270,000 students are enrolled in at least one AGQ in England.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of parliament’s public accounts committee, said the NAO report “shows that a lack of widespread awareness, declining pass rates and challenges securing industry placements risk the DfE’s ability to scale up T-levels”.
Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said: “The report from the NAO reinforces the need to retain a middle pathway of applied general qualifications for students for whom neither A-levels nor T-levels present the best way forward.
“T-levels represent a vital opportunity to acquire the skills and experience that are essential for the workplace but they are not right for everyone, and we need to be confident that every young person can access a valuable and valued suite of qualifications in the future.”
Each T-level, in subjects such as marketing, accounting or health, is equivalent to three A-levels and as academically challenging, which critics say accounts for the lack of enthusiasm among potential students looking for vocational qualifications.
The courses also requires colleges to secure lengthy industry placements for students, which the NAO identified as likely to hamper expansion.
A DfE spokesperson said: “The £28m investment recently announced by the prime minister shows the government’s clear commitment to T-levels as a high-quality technical qualification which offers young people a great route into further study and a rewarding career.
“T-levels continue to grow, with nearly 60% more young people taking them last year than in the previous year.”
