Recommendation 14

T levels are new technical qualifications which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A levels.23 In May 2018, the then Permanent Secretary at the Department had concerns about the feasibility of delivering T levels by the target date of 2020. He requested, and was given, a ministerial direction to proceed to that timetable.24 Delivery of the first three T levels – in construction, digital, and education and childcare – started on time in September 2020, with further subjects to be introduced over the following three years.25