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Source · National Audit Office

Investigation into introducing T Levels

This investigation provides transparency over the government’s progress introducing T Level qualifications.

Published: 28 Mar 2025 Recommendations: 4 Type: Value for Money NAO confirmed: 3 Department: Department for Education
Dept: Department for Education Topics: Education, training and skillsEmploymentFurther and higher educationTraining and skillsWork, welfare and pensions nao.org.uk →

Recommendations

4 items
4 accepted 3 implemented 1 in progress

Recommendation 1

Addressee: Department for Education · Source location: Page 12, 22

In working towards fully introducing T Levels and increasing student numbers, as DfE evolves the programme it should:
(a) establish ways to ensure there is understanding, across DfE, of the potential impact on T Level demand, benefits, costs and approach before making wider strategic changes and decisions around the development of the technical qualification landscape;

Response position: Accepted

Delivery: Implemented · 07/2026 · Confirmed by NAO

Recommendation 2

Addressee: Department for Education · Source location: Page 12, 22

In working towards fully introducing T Levels and increasing student numbers, as DfE evolves the programme it should:
(b) continue efforts to expand industry placements, critical to offering T Levels to more students by:
- reviewing how existing mechanisms to coordinate local engagement between employers, providers and local stakeholders, such as Local Skills Improvement Plans, could be strengthened in line with the government's wider devolution agenda; and
- targeting activity, both geographically and across certain T Levels, where industry placements are most needed - this includes through identifying and capitalising on opportunities to increase placements within the public sector, in particular health;

Response position: Accepted

Delivery: Implemented · 03/2026 · Confirmed by NAO

Recommendation 3

Addressee: Department for Education · Source location: Page 12, 22

(c) set out how it will monitor and manage the impact of revised commercial arrangements on awarding organisations and providers - this includes testing possible scenarios and contingency plans and evaluating the impact of pricing arrangements on awarding organisations and providers' ability to offer T Levels

Response position: Accepted

Delivery: In progress · 03/2027

Recommendation 4

Addressee: Department for Education · Source location: Page 22, 12

(d) use the expected transfer of IfATE's responsibilities to revisit roles and responsibilities, ensure a singular vision, and develop commercial oversight and regulatory arrangements that are efficient and proportionate, including exploring opportunities to rationalise contract assurance activities.

Response position: Accepted

Delivery: Implemented · 05/2026 · Confirmed by NAO

Public Accounts Committee follow-up

1 report

The Public Accounts Committee examined this NAO report and published its own recommendations. The government responds to PAC recommendations via Treasury Minutes.