T Levels by numbers as The Bedford College Group celebrates record growth in employer partnerships

T Levels are continuing to prove their value for school leavers, with national results showing high levels of achievement and a growing number of employers backing the qualification, including at The Bedford College Group, which has campuses across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Equivalent in size to three A Levels, T Levels combine classroom learning with a minimum 315-hour industry placement, giving students a real advantage when progressing into skilled employment, apprenticeships or university.

The latest national figures highlight the strength of the qualification:

· 93% of students achieved a Pass or above in their overall T Level

· 97.9% successfully completed their industry placement, gaining real-world experience before moving on to work or higher education

· 95.2% achieved a Pass or above in their Occupational Specialism, demonstrating the strong technical and practical skills employers' value

· Nearly two-thirds (66%) achieved a Merit or above

At The Bedford College Group, T Levels continue to grow in strength, with the largest ever cohort of students, increasing employer partnerships and outstanding industry placement opportunities. Employer engagement has now grown to 500 placement employers, helping students develop the skills, confidence and experience that industry is looking for.

With around 80% of the programme classroom based and 20% spent learning in the workplace, T Levels give students the technical knowledge to succeed alongside the chance to apply it with real employers from day one.

Sue Hadfield, Principal of Central Bedfordshire College and Shuttleworth College, said: “These results show what can be achieved when high-quality teaching is combined with real experience in the workplace. Our employer partners are central to that success. They give our students the chance to apply what they have learned, build confidence and show what they can do. With 500 employers now supporting our T Level placements, we are seeing more young people take real steps towards successful careers, and I am incredibly proud of what our students achieve.”

T Levels are designed in partnership with employers to ensure students develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and workplace behaviours that industry needs. For many students, a placement is the first step towards a permanent role, an apprenticeship or higher education.