Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Refine T Level benefit tracking, update economic benefit estimates, and define clear progress milestones.
Conclusion
The Department has not yet provided complete clarity over what good progress looks like in T Levels becoming established and when benefits will be realised. The Department has identified four potential benefits associated with T Levels, including progression to further study or skilled employment, and higher earnings than those studying other level 3 qualifications. However, there is a time lag before some of this information will become available and the Department only has targets for two of the four benefits. It is yet to identify how to measure employers’ confidence or students’ earnings. For these benefits to be realised, the Department needs to ensure students enrol, complete and pass T Levels. It expects pass rates to increase over time, as T Levels mature, but the proportion of students passing has fallen from 97% in summer 2022 to 89% in summer 2024. It does not have a target. The Department also wants to bring student retention rates in line with other large vocational qualifications. In summer 2024, 73% of 16-year-old entrants completed their T Level compared to 78% for other qualifications. The Department’s best judgement is that T Levels are 25% more valuable than other level 3 qualifications, with an estimated economic benefit of £23,000 for each T level student over their lifetime although this is very uncertain. 5 recommendation The Department should refine its benefit tracking, update the estimated economic benefit for T level students, and define clear milestones to better understand whether progress, for example on pass rates, aligns with expectations.
Government Response Summary
The government states it uses several published datasets to measure T Level benefits and KPIs, and commits to updating the economic benefit assessment at regular intervals. It will also continue to review its benefits management strategy annually to track progress.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. department uses several published data sets to measure key benefits and key performance indicators. These include: • The Technical Education Learners Survey to measure learner outcomes and destinations; career planning and decision making; and overall reported satisfaction with their T Level experience. • The Employers Skills Survey which tracks employers’ awareness, interest and capacity to offer T Levels, and how much employers value T Levels when recruiting. • The Pupil Parent Learner Panel survey to track awareness of T Levels and appetite amongst students and parents. The economic benefit of students taking a T Level will depend on several factors which the department keeps under review including student enrolments, the funding that is invested into the programme (dependent on annual departmental set budgets), and progression outcomes. The department will update this assessment at regular intervals in line with receipt of relevant data. The department will continue to review its benefits management strategy annually and review data sources for realising benefits.