DRAFT - Tech Level Qualifications and Progression to Higher Education
As a result of the recommendations of the Wolf Report (2015) the Government implemented a number of reforms, including that only those vocational qualifications that are the most valuable for young people – in terms of their content, assessment and progression – would be recognised in performance tables. These include:
- Tech Levels – Level 3 qualifications that equip post-16 students with the knowledge and skills they need for skilled employment or for further technical study.
- Applied General qualifications – Level 3 qualifications for post-16 students who wish to continue their education through applied learning.
Awarding organisations wishing to develop these qualifications must be able to demonstrate that they meet demanding criteria in terms of their content and assessment, and that they support progress to further study or employment. This document provides an overview of Tech Levels. A separate document will provide an overview of Applied Generals.
What are Tech Level Qualifications? Tech Levels are new Level 3 (advanced) qualifications for students wishing to specialise in a technical occupation or occupational group, and which are recognised by relevant trade or professional bodies, employers and universities. They have been developed to provide students with specialist technical qualifications in their chosen subjects.
Who are they for? Tech Levels are designed for students who have a clear idea about the occupation they wish to pursue, across broad sector groupings, including engineering, childcare and education, digital or health and science. A full list of Tech Levels can be found here:
They also support progression to Higher Education programmes, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, and can be studied alongside A Levels as part of a student’s Study Programme.
How do they equate to A Levels? The DfE describes them as “rigorous advanced technical qualifications on a par with A Levels”.
Tech Levels differ in size, with an equivalence of between 1 and 3 A Levels.
•360 GLH (equivalent in size to 1 A Level)
•540 GLH (equivalent in size to 1 ½ A Levels)
•720 GLH (equivalent in size to 2 A Levels)
•1080 GLH (equivalent in size to 3 A Levels)
They must all be graded but are most likely to have a grading scale of Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction* rather than an A*-E scale.
Do Tech Level Qualifications have UCAS Tariff points? Once Tech Level Qualifications have been approved by the Department for Education (DfE) for inclusion in school performance tables, they will be allocated UCAS Tariff points at the next available update. Points will depend on the grade achieved and the size of the qualification.
Just because a qualification is on the Tariff, it doesn't mean a university orcollege will accept it. Therefore students should check the course entry requirements. Equally, if a qualification is not on the Tariff, a university or college may still accept it. It's always best for an individual to check with the university or college offering the course.
How are they assessed? All Tech Levels have an element of external assessment that contributes to a minimum of 30% of the overall grade. The external assessment is set and marked by the Awarding Organisation. Students have to pass all of the external assessments to achieve the qualification. Students are allowed one re-sit opportunity for these external assessments. The internal assessment is set and marked by the school or college and externally moderated/verified by the Awarding BodyOrganisation.
How are they developed? Tech Levels are developed through extensive consultation with employers, trade and professional bodies and other experts, to ensure [DM1]the student’s skills and knowledge are relevant to that sector. Many of these students will choose to progress to higher level studies before employment. All Tech Levels are regulated by Ofqual.
What do the qualifications involve? In addition to the sector-knowledge and skills delivered by the school or college, every student who completes a Tech Level qualification will also have participated in work relevant activities during their study, which is subject to a robust verification process.
The student / Supporting HEIs with Widening Participation- is likely to have minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English
- will normally have completed a two year programme of study in their chosen subject at Level 3 before progressing to Higher Education
- may have a mixture of Tech Levels,A Levels and Applied Generals or other qualifications
- will have developed practical skills and will be able to apply their knowledge
Analysis shows that the largest rises in higher education participation for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are among those doing vocational qualifications instead of or as well as A Levels. (Passports to Progress, Part 2, Social Market Foundation, 2016)
In 2016, the proportion who applied whilst studying only vocational qualifications was 55% higher than in 2010. The proportion who applied whilst studying for vocational qualifications in combination with A Levels, was more than 150% higher than in 2010. (UCAS Analysis and Research, 2016)
For further information, please contact the following, who will be happy to answer any questions or deliver an overview of the Tech Level Qualifications to your Admissions team:
Alison Whittle Technical Adviser 14-19, HEI Progression
Dean O'Donoghue Sector Strategist
David MacKay Head of Stakeholder Engagement
Martin Webber Partnership and Sector Relationship Manager
Eleanor Maughan Qualification Development Manager
Alison Whittle Technical Adviser 14-19, HEI Progression
Eleanor Maughan Qualification Development Manager
Dean O'Donoghue Sector Strategist
David MacKay Head of Stakeholder Engagement
Mara Bogdanovic Head of Business Engagement
[DM1]We involved HEIs in our Tech Level developments and so perhaps you could state “...and other experts, including higher education institutions, to ensure...”