T Levels explained: North Devon College students, teachers and employers share their experiences
To mark National T Levels Week, from 19 to 23 October, North Devon College is shining a light on T Levels and the opportunities they provide, hearing from students, teachers and employers about why these qualifications matter.
Introduced in 2020, T Levels are two-year Level 3 qualifications equivalent in size to three A Levels. North Devon College has an impressive track record in delivering them, with students recording an above-national-average pass rate of 96.77% this summer. Many are now progressing to university, competitive specialist training and employment.
Why North Devon College students study T Levels
North Devon College offers 9 T Level courses, covering subjects from Architecture to Animal Care.
During their studies, students sit core examinations, complete an employer-set project and develop specialist occupational skills. They also spend at least 315 hours on an industry placement, working with employers including the NHS, North Devon Homes, Parker Hannifin and RHS Rosemoor.
A Distinction* is worth 168 Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) points, the same as three A* grades at A Level. T Levels are accepted for entry to relevant courses by universities across the UK, including the majority of the Russell Group, although requirements vary by course and institution.
Former North Devon College Education and Childcare T Level student Abigail May achieved a Distinction and secured a highly competitive place at Norland to train as a professional nanny. Abigail said:
“Doing this course made me realise I have a real passion for childcare and confirmed that this is what I want to do as a career. I’m so thankful for the support I received at College, particularly from my tutor and lecturers, who gave me the confidence to aim for this opportunity. I’m excited and nervous about what comes next, but I can’t wait to start at Norland.”
Business T Level student Tegan also achieved a Distinction, while her placement at Torridge District Council led to a contract with the organisation. Reflecting on her course, Tegan said:
“I feel like I’m ahead of my peers because I’ve already completed more than 300 hours in the workplace. My placement at Torridge District Council was another great experience and I now have a contract working there. I would definitely recommend a T Level.”
George, an Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control T Level student, is completing his placement with global manufacturer Eaton as he works towards becoming a toolmaker. George said:
“At Eaton, I do a lot of work shadowing, getting to understand how everything works. It has opened up a lot of pathways and options for me to consider.”
The teaching behind exceptional results
More than a third of North Devon College’s 2026 T Level students, 34.41%, achieved a Distinction* or Distinction, almost double the national figure of 18.1%. These results reflect the commitment of the College’s students and the expertise of the lecturers and employers supporting them.
Gail Whenman, Assistant Principal for Vocational and Technical Studies at North Devon College, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of what our T Level students have achieved and of the lecturers and employers who have supported them along the way. This summer, our students outperformed the national picture, which reflects the expertise of our lecturers and the ambition of our students.
“T Levels are academically demanding qualifications that stand proudly alongside A Levels, while offering valuable workplace experience. Our students leave with confidence, and clear progression routes, whether that is university, a higher apprenticeship or moving directly into a rewarding career.”
Stephanie Snowden, Education and Early Years T Level lecturer at North Devon College, said:
“T Levels are ideal for students who enjoy academic learning but also want to get out of the classroom and gain real experience in the workplace. We’re a close-knit team, and we all bring different specialist knowledge and experience. We get to know our students, understand their strengths and genuinely care about their success.”
Building skills in the workplace
Industry placements are a major part of every T Level, giving students meaningful workplace experience while helping employers identify and develop new talent.
Jacob Hawkins, Innovation Manager at Parker Hannifin, said:
“To keep the engineering industry going and keep innovating, we need to keep bringing in new engineers, and we see the best way to do that is getting them engaged early. T Level students bring real enthusiasm and new points of view, so they’re really good at problem-solving.”
This is the College’s first full academic year as North Devon College, following significant investment across the campus, including new social spaces and enhanced facilities for students.
School leavers interested in studying T Levels or A Levels at North Devon College can meet lecturers, explore the campus and find out more at the next Open Event on Tuesday 1 December.
