what do my subject grades mean?
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Click on the picture for Information about the new GCSE grades for parents, employers and further and higher education providers
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BTEC diplomas
BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors – they are available from entry level through to professional qualifications at level 7 (equivalent to postgraduate study).
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BTECs are broken down into three main levels of study:
BTEC Firsts are available from entry level to Level 2 (similar standard to GCSEs). These offer an introduction to work in a vocational sector. Combined with other qualifications, these can enable you to go on to further study, to an apprenticeship, or into employment.
BTEC Nationals are available from Level 3 (similar standard to A levels). Many of these are well regarded by universities, further education colleges, and employers. A BTEC National qualification can lead to employment, continuing study, or professional development programmes.
BTEC Apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 to 5 across more than 25 sectors.
Click on the image for facts about BTEC diplomas: who they are for, the different types, how they are taught, what you need to get on one, and what you can do afterwards.
How T levels will work with other level 3 study programmes
T levels will become 1 of 3 major options when a student reaches level 3, alongside:
- apprenticeships for students who wish to learn a specific occupation ‘on the job’
- A levels for students who wish to continue academic education
When they complete a T level study programme, students will be able to choose between moving into:
- a skilled occupation
- higher or degree level apprenticeships
- higher level technical study, including higher education.
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T level study programmes – current proposals
Study programmes will include 3 mandatory elements:
- a ‘core’ set of underpinning theories, concepts and workplace skills, tailored for their chosen industry or occupation
- specialist training covering occupational or industry-specific skills
- a work placement with an employer, which will last for around 45 working days
Assessment of T levels – current proposals
Both parts of the ‘core’ will be assessed separately, but scored using an average of the 2. This will allow higher performance in 1 area to compensate for lower performance in the other (subject to a defined minimum being reached in the lower-performance element).
Assessment of industry-specific learning will be based on the student showing they have reached a ‘threshold competence’ – a minimum level of capability for their chosen occupation. For example, for a T level specialising in electrical engineering they may need to show they can find and fix faults in an electrical system.
The work placement will be managed by the employer and the provider. It won’t be externally assessed.
Grading of T levels – current proposals
The core will be graded on a 6-point scale from E to A*, with A* being the highest. Occupational specialisms can award a pass, merit or distinction.
