Concern over new education qualifications

chiefs need to do more to raise awareness about new T-level qualifications, a report has warned.

If the vocational courses are to be a success, there needs to be more understanding about the programmes among young people and parents, according to the National

Foundation for Educational Research (NFER).

With less than a year to go before the first T-levels are introduced, there is also uncertainty over students' options after they have completed the courses, a report by the research body says.

T-levels, announced by the

Conservative government, are new technical courses which are aimed at sixth formers.

One two-year T-level is considered a full educational programme and is considered the same as studying three Alevels, with the highest grade, a Distinction* the same as scoring three A*s.

The first three T-levels, in education, digital studies and construction, will be taught in 50 colleges in England from next year.

The NFER says that a new campaign aimed at raising national awareness of the new qualification had been welEducation comed, but there is a feeling that there remains "significant work to do to raise the awareness and understanding of T-levels amongst young people, parents/carers and employers".

Suzanne Straw, NFER education to employment lead, said; "There is no doubt that positivity and enthusiasm will drive the introduction of the first three T-levels next year but a significant challenge is demonstrating that these new technical education programmes will lead to positive progression into employment, apprenticeships or higher education.”