Value for Money

Investigation into introducing T Levels

Published 28 March 2025 4 recommendations Department for Education Education, training and skillsEmploymentFurther and higher educationTraining and skillsWork, welfare and pensions nao.org.uk
This investigation provides transparency over the government’s progress introducing T Level qualifications.

Recommendations (4)

Source: NAO Recommendations Tracker · PAC follow-up below
4
Accepted
1
Implemented
3
In Progress
3
NAO Confirmed
Department for Education
Rec 1 Accepted Work in Progress
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;
Page 12, 22 03/2026
Department for Education
Rec 2 Accepted Implemented
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;
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Department for Education
Rec 3 Accepted Work in Progress
(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
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Department for Education
Rec 4 Accepted Work in Progress
(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.
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Parliamentary Committee Follow-Up

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

35th Report - Introducing T Levels
Public Accounts Committee · 27 June 2025 · 6 recommendations