top of page

A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS

 

 

Individual Year Mapping 2025-26

Year 7 - 8 Mapping, Click HERE

Year 8 - 9 Mapping, Click HERE

Year 9 - 10 Mapping, Click HERE

Year 10 - 11 Mapping, Click HERE

Year 11 Mapping, Click HERE

​

 

Research your Future Options

Make sure you know in advance what career and employment opportunities are available for you when you leave school, the qualifications you will need to have achieved and the employability skills needed for specific roles.

Picture1.png
images.png
Picture 1.png
Start.png

​​

​Year 11: Post 16 Progression NEW 2025-2026

Parental Letter- Post 16 Progression       Click HERE

Post 16 Progression Overview document  Click HERE

Post 16 Route map                                      Click HERE

10 Steps to making a Post 16 Application Click HERE

Year 11 Post 16 ​Booklet -                            Click HERE​

All College Open Evenings                        Click HERE 

Introduction to Post 16 Transitioning -       Click HERE

​

​

T LEVELS 

T Levels: what they are

T Levels are 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.

T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.

​

The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England.

​

Starting dates

T Levels started in September 2020 and there are now 21 T Levels available.

We have published a list of the providers offering T Level courses from September 2025.

​

How T Levels will work with other qualifications

T Levels will become one of the main choices for students after GCSEs alongside:

  • apprenticeships for students who wish to learn a specific occupation ‘on the job’

  • A levels for students who wish to continue academic education

  • other qualifications not served by A levels or T levels, including sport science, performing arts and small qualifications designed to be taken alongside A levels

​

T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers and approved by Skills England.

​

Skills England’s occupational maps show where technical education can lead.

​

We expect the total time for a T Level to be between 1,500 and 1,800 hours over the 2 years, including the industry placement. This is a significant increase on most current technical education courses.

​

T Levels differ from an apprenticeship. T Levels prepare students for work, further training or further study. An apprenticeship is typically 80% on-the-job and 20% in the classroom and is more suited to those who want to earn a wage and learn at the same time and are ready to enter the workforce at age 16.

​

How T Levels have been developed

Employers and providers work together to develop each T Level, with support from the Department for Education, Skills England and Ofqual. Groups of employers have defined the skills and requirements for each T Level course by participating in T Level panels. This ensures that students taking T Levels will develop the technical knowledge and skills required by employers in that industry.

​

The T Level panels have developed the content for the technical qualifications which are part of each T Level programme, based on the same standards as apprenticeships. These plans are then tested and reviewed with students, education providers and additional employers.

Structure of a T Level

​

T Levels require students to undertake both a technical qualification and an industry placement with an employer.

​

Students are also required to work towards the attainment of maths and English if they have not already achieved grade 4 at GCSE, as students do on other 16 to 19 programmes. However, T Level students are not required to achieve either a grade 4 in English and maths GCSE or level 2 in functional skills to pass their programme.

​

Foundation year

The T Level foundation year is a 1-year post-GCSE study programme designed to support progression to, and success on, a T Level. It’s aimed at students who would like to do a T Level but would benefit from additional preparation and support before starting one.

The programme gives students the opportunity to study technical content aligned to T Levels and develop their English, maths and digital skills, alongside work experience and personal development.

​

You can see a list of providers delivering the foundation year.

The T Level foundation year framework for delivery has guidance on how the programme should be delivered.

​

Industry placements

Every T Level includes an industry placement with an employer focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for the occupation. These will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) but can last longer.

​

Employers can offer industry placements as a block, day release or a mix of these, and can discuss sharing part of the placement with another employer if necessary.

​

Providers will support employers offering industry placements. This will include assistance with paperwork, a careful planning process and support with designing the industry placement.

​

Employers interested in finding out more about industry placements can visit T Levels and industry placement support for employers, where they can register interest in hosting placements, find information and case studies, register for events and webinars, or request tailored support.

​

Grading and certification

Students who complete their T Level get a nationally recognised certificate which shows their overall grade and a breakdown of what they have achieved.

​

The T Level certificate includes:

  • an overall grade for the T Level, shown as pass, merit, distinction or distinction*

  • a separate grade for the core component, using A* to E

  • a separate grade for each occupational specialism, shown as pass, merit or distinction

​

It also confirms that the student has:

  • completed the industry placement

  • met any additional mandatory requirements

​

A student’s overall T Level grade is worked out from the grades they achieved on the core component and the occupational specialism(s).

​

Students who do not pass all elements of their T Level get a T Level statement of achievement which shows the elements they have completed.

​

Entry to higher education and UCAS tariff points

T Levels provide several progression options for students, including:

  • skilled employment

  • an apprenticeship

  • higher education

​

To help T Level students progress into higher education, UCAS tariff points are allocated to T Levels.

UCAS points are allocated to the overall T Level grade.

​

To support students that partially achieve their T Level, UCAS tariff points are also available for both elements of the technical qualification where:

  • students have passed the core component and completed the industry placement

  • students have passed the occupational specialism component and completed the industry placement

As the relative weighting of the core and occupational specialism for each T Level varies, the UCAS points for partial achievement will also vary across T Levels. Tariff allocations for partial achievement of each T Level are available on the UCAS tariff calculator.

​

You can find a list of higher education institutions who accept T Levels for entry onto one of their courses.

​

Register to deliver T Levels

Registration to deliver T Levels for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year has now closed.

Funding for providers

​

We recognise that significant additional funding is needed for the successful introduction and delivery of T Levels.

​

T Levels involve more hours than most current technical qualifications at level 3 and providers are funded for the extra hours involved and for organising industry placements.

​

More information is available on how T Levels are funded.

​

We are boosting the expansion of T Levels through £28m capital funding in 2025 so that students have access to industry-standard equipment. This takes our total capital investment for T Levels to over £500m.

​

Support for professional development

To be sure that T Levels deliver great outcomes for learners, we are giving teachers and leaders the support they need to deliver them. T Level professional development is available from the Education and

 

Training Foundation (ETF), at no charge to all providers delivering and planning to deliver T Levels.

The offer is shaped around the needs of providers and their workforce alongside relevant regional, employer and curriculum needs. It includes:

  • training needs analysis to help identify any gaps in skills and knowledge around T Levels

  • understanding T Levels to help staff in different roles understand T Levels and how they can support their successful introduction

  • T Level role and route-specific training – pedagogical and subject-specific courses, and other activities structured to meet an individual’s professional development needs

  • professional development for leaders – support for staff in leadership roles to help with T Level planning and implementation

  • networks and TRIPs – route-specific networks and T Level resource improvement projects (TRIP) providing opportunities to produce resources for planning and delivering T Levels

  • industry insights – opportunities for staff to increase and update their knowledge by:

    • undertaking placements within industry

    • accessing industry-relevant mentoring

    • participating in group industry collaboration

    • engaging in industry-led workshops

​

Timeline

September 2020

The first T Level courses started in:

  • design, surveying and planning for construction

  • digital production, design and development

  • education and early years

​

September 2021

T Level courses started in:

  • building services engineering for construction

  • digital business services

  • digital support and services

  • health

  • healthcare science (final enrolments September 2025)

  • onsite construction (final enrolments September 2024)

  • science

​

September 2022

T Level courses started in:

  • accounting

  • design and development for engineering and manufacturing

  • engineering, manufacturing, processing and control

  • finance

  • maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing

  • management and administration

​

September 2023

T Level courses started in:

  • agriculture, land management and production

  • legal services

​

September 2024

T Level courses started in:

  • animal care and management

  • craft and design

  • media, broadcast and production

​

September 2025

T Level courses will start in:

  • marketing

​

To find out more about industry placements, contact 0800 0150 600, email tlevel.placement@education.gov.uk or visit T Levels and industry placement support for employers.

​

Providers

T Level support for schools and colleges is a dedicated website for providers which provides a wealth of information on delivering T Levels and industry placements, curriculum guidance and how to support students.

 

Apprenticeships

  • What is an Apprenticeship?                                       Click HERE

  • A Guide to Apprenticeships                                              Click HERE

  • Find an apprenticeship                                                       Click HERE

  • Writing a winning application                                             Click HERE                                               

  • Alliance Learning : Apprenticeships we offer                    Click HERE

  • National Careers Service                                                     Click HERE

 

The Application Process 2025-26

- The Post 16 Application Process            Click HERE

- Admissions Interviews                            Click HERE

- Writing a personal statement                  Click HERE

- CV templates - Blank CV Template Sample 1              Click HERE

                         - Blank CV TEMPLATE Sample 2            Click HERE

                         - Completed CV Template Sample 1   Click HERE

                         - Completed CV Template Sample 2   Click HERE

​

Year 11: Post 16 Provider Assembly Presentations 

  • Bury College School - Year 10 Aspirational Presentation Click HERE

  • Bury College School Presentation 2025 Click HERE

  • Canon Slade Y11 Smithills Click HERE

  • Salford 29.09.25 - All Year Group Presentation 2026 Click HERE

  • Smithills - B6 Presentation 2025 Click HERE

  • Smithills High School - School Liaison Presentation 2025-26 Wigan and Leigh Click HERE

  • Adam Corbally Presentation Click HERE

  • Year 11 High School Talk - Holy Cross College (November) Click HERE

 

Year 10 : Preparing for POST 16 Progression 

Post 16 progression overview  - Click HERE

Year 10 Parental Letter - Click HERE

Employability Skills map - Click HERE

​

Year 10 will be taking part in College taster event in the summer term 2026.

Year 10 are advised to look carefully at what Post 16 options will be available to them for September 2026.

​

  • Use Unifrog initially to explore different options before going to the individual websites of each of the Post 16 providers of interest.

  • Look at different subjects/courses of interest ( those you may be currently studying as well as new ones)

  • Look at the qualification available and GCSE/BTEC grade requirements to access these courses in the future.

  • Below are a series of resources to support your independent research

​

A Brief Introduction to Post 16 Provision : Why not take a look?  

​

 

​​Post 16 Provider Resources 

​​

​​

Post 18 Research (Requirements for University)

UCAS Link    Click HERE

​​

Searching

Click on the links to explore your post 16 options. What subject choices interest you? What qualifications could I pursue? What are the entry requirements for each course?

​

 

School Sixth Forms

 

 

FE Colleges/Sixth Form Colleges

In Local area (Bolton & Bury)

​

 

Outside of Local area

​

Training Providers & Apprenticeships

​

Employer Apprenticeships (there are many more if you search individual companies)

Airbus 

www.airbus.com

​

Balfour Beatty

https://www.balfourbeattycareers.com/early-careers/apprentices

 

BAE Systems

www.baesystems.com

 

Barclays

https://joinus.barclays/eme/apprenticeships

 

BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships

 

BT

https://www.btplc.com/Careercentre/earlycareers/apprentices/index.htm

 

MBDA

www.mbda-systems.com

 

NHS

https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/apprenticeships

 

Seddon

www.apprentices.seddon.co.uk

     

 

 Using Labour Market Information for Career Planning 

This relates to the current state of the jobs market. Looking at growth industries, declining industries , jobs available in the region and those beyond. It involves discussions around salaries and opportunities for career progression and skills needed for different industries. 

​

How labour market information (LMI) can help you make career decisions (icould.com)​

​

Careers Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) for SEND and EHCP Students

At Smithills High School , we are committed to providing high-quality careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) for all our students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). We understand that every student is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure that everyone receives the support and guidance they need to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

​

Personalized Careers Guidance

For our students with SEND or EHCPs, we offer personalized careers advice that is aligned with their aspirations, strengths, and support needs. Our Careers Advisor Mrs Andrea Bennett , in collaboration with the SENDCo and our dedicated pastoral team, works closely with students to create a bespoke career plan that supports their ambitions, whether that involves further education, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.

​

Transition Support and Post-16 Planning

We begin planning for the transition to post-16 education or training at an early stage, ensuring that every student with SEND or an EHCP has a clear, well-supported plan. This includes:

  • One-on-one career guidance sessions, with or Connections Advisor Emma Carmichael where students are given time to explore their options.

  • Support with applications for post-16 providers, including colleges, specialist colleges, apprenticeships, and training providers.

  • Information and support on work experience and vocational opportunities that are meaningful and appropriate for the student’s individual needs.

​

We also provide support for independent living skills and help students understand how their educational choices align with their long-term goals, including employment and independent adulthood.

​

Collaborative Approach with Families and External Agencies

We believe that the best outcomes for our students are achieved through collaboration with families and external support agencies. Regular meetings are held with parents and carers to ensure they are fully involved in the decision-making process. We also work closely with local authorities, transition coordinators, and specialist external providers to offer the best possible guidance and resources for our students.

​

Preparing for Adulthood

As part of our commitment to preparing all students for adulthood, we ensure that students with SEND or EHCPs receive targeted support in developing the skills they will need to thrive in their post-16 journeys and beyond. This includes:

  • Support with employability skills such as CV writing, interview preparation, and job applications.

  • Work placements and employer encounters are tailored to the student’s abilities and aspirations.

  • Guidance on further education opportunities and how to access financial support for students with additional needs.

​

We aim to ensure that each student leaves Smithills High School with the confidence and skills to pursue a fulfilling future, whether that’s in higher education, training, or the world of work.

​

Ongoing Support

Our commitment doesn’t end when students leave school. We offer ongoing support to ensure that students with SEND or EHCPs continue to receive the guidance they need during their post-16 education or training. This can include follow-up meetings, support with adapting to their new environment, and additional advice on career progression.

​

At Smithills High School, we believe in empowering every student, regardless of their needs, to make informed, confident decisions about their future. We ensure that students with SEND or EHCPs receive the tailored support they deserve, helping them transition successfully into adulthood.

​

Work Experience Student Initial Click HERE 

​

​

​

Smithills Logo.png

© 2026 by Smithills School.

Created by Smithills Media and Digital.

bottom of page