T Levels Week 2026: Everything You Need to Know
This week marks National T Levels Week (19th – 23rd October 2026), and at Dearne Valley College, we couldn’t be more excited to shine a spotlight on technical education!
Now in their 7th year of delivery, T Levels continue to transform post-16 education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience. With nationwide pass rates hitting 92.6% this year and over two-thirds of students achieving a Merit or above, as shown by statistics published by the Department for Education, there has never been a better time to showcase what makes these qualifications so special.
Whether you’re a student weighing up your post-GCSE options, a parent looking for guidance, or a local employer eager to shape tomorrow’s workforce, here is everything you need to know about T Levels and how we’re celebrating this week.
What is a T Level?
T Levels are dynamic, two-year qualifications taken after GCSEs. Designed in direct collaboration with leading employers, they equip students with the exact skills, knowledge and practical experience top businesses are searching for.
How it works:
- 80% Classroom Learning: You’ll spend the majority of your time in our specialist college facilities, mastering technical theory and practical skills under the guidance of industry-expert tutors.
- 20% Industry Placement: You’ll complete an in-depth placement of at least 45 days (315 hours) with a real employer, getting hands-on experience in your chosen field.
- 1 T Level = 3 A-levels: Upon completion, T Levels yield UCAS points (for example, a T Level Distinction* carries the same UCAS points as 3 A-levels at A*).
Whether your next step is moving directly into an entry-level skilled career, securing a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship, or progressing to university – including Russell Group institutions – a T Level opens the door.
Why We’re Celebrating T Levels Week
At Dearne Valley College, T Levels Week is about the celebration of our students’ hard work, our dedicated teaching staff and the incredible regional employers who host our industry placements.
Research shows that around a quarter of T Level students secure employment directly with their placement employer after graduating. According to the Department for Education’s T Level evaluation research, 71% of students agree their course prepared them directly for the workplace – significantly higher than traditional Level 3 routes.
Want to see what studying a T Level is actually like?
Take a look at a ‘Day in the Life’ of a Dearne Valley College T Level student and experience a firsthand look at how our learners balance campus study with real-world industry placements.
A day in the life of a Dearne Valley College T Level student
Explore Our Courses and Employer Partnerships
Ready to take the next step or partner with us?
- Explore Our T Level Courses: Browse our full range of T Level subjects and check out our course brochure to find the right path for your future.
- Information for Employers: Industry placements are at the heart of T Levels. If you are a local employer looking to host a placement student, gain early access to emerging talent, and address skills gaps in your sector, our Employer Engagement team is here to support you every step of the way.
Happy T Levels Week 2026 from all of us at Dearne Valley College!