BTECS

[Orangesandlemons77]

Do BTECs still exist or have they been replaced by T levels?

DS applied for a BTEC next year but we had a phone call about doing the T level instead. I assumed both would be running

Then checking the college website can't find anything about the BTEC anymore only the T levels.

There's a very limited number of T-Levels available so far (3 this year, supposedly 7 more starting Sep 2021), so there are still BTECs but it is intended thet they'll be phased out over the next 2 years, with only T-Levels available for new starters from 2023. Accreditation of BTECs would therefore stop after 2026.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-t-levels/introduction-of-t-levels#timeline

schoolsweek.co.uk/ofqual-raises-concerns-over-dfes-proposed-btec-reforms/

I'd imagine colleges will find it difficult to continue to offer BTECs alongside T-Levels with similar coverage, so many will disappear as T-Levels become established.

Thanks. Ours was the Computing BTEC originally applied for and they rang and talked about some Digital T level which is just starting this year. It seems that both options may still be available.

I'ma little confused though as it is just one BTEC but the T levels are meant to be the same as 3 A levels.

Yes this is one of the ones starting 2021

The extended BTEC at the college is equivalent to three A levels

As @Blueskythinking123 said, there are different sizes of BTEC Nationals. An extended diploma has the same guided learning hours and UCAS tariff points as 3 A-Levels or a T-Level.

T-Levels are neither "equivalent to" nor "the same as" 3 A-Levels, whatever the college may say. They represent the same amount of work but the nature of the work is different and they are intended to prepare students for different things.

They told the T levels had UCAS points to be used for uni afterwards?

Thanks yes it was the extended diploma BTEC. Seems he may be able to choose but the college said the main difference is the T level has more work experience...

Out of interest which course would others choose the BTEC or T level? Given the BTECs seem to be being phased out.

They told the T levels had UCAS points to be used for uni afterwards?

They do. Academically oriented degree courses might not accept them, though. They are intended as vocational qualifications but the boundary is always blurred, as many degrees are vocational, too.

I get annoyed with universities, which undermine every effort to set up meaningful qualifications that don't require university study/attendance. They've undermined apprecticeships and they'll do it with T-Levels. The UK desperately needs education & training routes that don't involve degrees, but universities desperately need money and grab every opportunity to add degrees on to training pathways so that the people who don't go to university find it very hard to get jobs in competition with the graduates.

@Orangesandlemons77

Out of interest which course would others choose the BTEC or T level? Given the BTECs seem to be being phased out.

If he’s thinking about university afterwards, even as a vague option, go BTEC. Not every university will accept T Levels so there’s a slight risk of blocking off choices.

Other than that, I’d still choose BTEC, because I wouldn’t want to be the guinea pig cohort for a brand new qualification

Thanks, yes they are saying about a 'pilot group; for the T levels and I wasn't sure about that. I will check to see if the BTEC is still running. Bit concerned about the funding issue for BTECs and that the course will be able to complete.

DH back in the day did a BTEC then a degree and PHD so it is possible (engineering). Interesting about the universities, hadn't thought of that but it makes sense.

If he’s starting in September there’s no funding issue. They’re phased out September 2023 onwards

Hi Everyone,

For those who want to ensure a broad range of qualifications remain funded, please sign the Sixth Form College Associations Campaign, to keep the conversation going. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/592642