Ready to take the next step after GCSEs? T Levels are an exciting new option designed to help you gain the skills, knowledge and experience employers are looking for.
Developed in partnership with businesses and industry-leading employers, T Levels give you the chance to learn in the classroom while also putting your skills into practice on a minimum 45-day (315 hours) work placement. This means you’ll leave college with real experience, a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification (equivalent to three A Levels), and a clear pathway into university, higher apprenticeships or skilled employment.
View T Level courses available
Why choose us?
- Great results – In 2025 our T Level students achieved a 100% pass rate, with 94% gaining a distinction or merit.
- Fantastic work placements – Our strong employer partnerships mean we can connect you with leading local businesses.
- Industry-experienced tutors – Learn from tutors who’ve worked in the careers you’re aiming for.
- Outstanding facilities – With continued investment in workshops, classrooms and equipment, you’ll train in a professional environment.
- Amazing student support – From careers advice to financial guidance, wellbeing, and additional learning support, we’ve got you covered.
- Free bus travel – Travel to college and work placements at no cost with our West Notts College Travel Scheme.
Free bus travel*
To enable you to attend your mandatory work placements with employers, we’re pleased to offer all students studying a T Level course access to the West Notts College Travel Scheme for FREE! It's one pass for unlimited bus travel across much of Nottinghamshire and parts of Derbyshire. 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Designed by employers, made for you
T Levels have been designed in partnership with businesses and industry-leading employers so you can develop the skills and knowledge required to kick-start your career straight from college. Hear what our current T Level students have to say:
FAQs
- Who can apply for a T Level?
T Levels are aimed at advanced students who are aged 16-18 and have five GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English Language and Maths.
- How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through examinations, applied and practical assessments in class and through a project set by your employer. Upon completion you will be awarded an overall grade (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*). A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification and your certificate will reflect this and will display your overall grade. The certificate will also explain your grade from A* to E for the core component and any occupational specialisms you will receive a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. It will also record whether you’ve achieved the minimum requirements for your maths and English qualifications as well as if you’ve completed the industry placement and any other additional mandatory requirements.
- What if I don't get the grades needed for a T Level?
If you do not meet the entry requirements you could study a T Level Foundation Year. This is a one-year study programme specifically designed to develop the skills, experience, knowledge and behaviours to support progression onto the relevant T Level course. These are ideal for those who are not ready to start a T Level but have the potential to progress onto one. Contact us for more details.
- Will I receive a salary whilst on work placement?
No, you won’t get paid for doing a T Level. However, you will be gaining valuable workplace experience whilst also undertaking a prestigious qualification.
- Do employers recognise the importance of T Levels?
Absolutely. More than 200 businesses have been involved in putting the qualifications together, so you can be confident your T Level will be recognised by employers.
- Where does a T Level lead to?
You will be able to progress onto higher education (university), a higher apprenticeship or employment, depending on which route you feel is best suited to you.
- Do I have to find my own work placement?
Yes, you will need to proactively secure your placement. However, a dedicated work placement advisor will be on hand to support you and help explore our existing employer links.
- How do T Levels differ from vocational courses?
T Levels are different from vocational courses because they’ve been developed with employers, using occupational standards as their reference. T Levels give young people the detailed skills and knowledge they need through learning in the classroom, and the space to apply what they’ve learned to the real working world through the 45-day work placement. Unlike vocational courses, T Levels have been developed to address skill gaps in the current jobs market.
- I am an employer. Where can I find out more?
If you are an employer and want to know more about how you can benefit from supporting a T Level student with a work placement, please visit our dedicated information page.
*Free for new and returning students for academic year 2025/2026. This is subject to change for academic year 2026/2027.