A level or T-level?

[Missscentsation]

My daughter has just done her GCSE and looking to enrol in college. Long term she wants to do pharmacy, for college she's looking at a t level for healthcare plus a a level chemistry. Thing is I'm not convinced T levels will be around much longer, yes there has been lots of money ploughed in but with a change of government and recent bad press about mid marking are they hear to stay? I do t want her doing them if they are going to get dropped. What do you think?

Personally I don’t think that T Levels are a risk worth taking - especially when it comes to something as academic and competitive as pharmacy. I’d be pushing her to go the traditional A level route

Have you checked out the degree entry requirements for pharmacy? Is maths required?

I work in a uni for a different science subject where we require an A level or equivalent in Maths. We don't consider any of the T levels to have sufficient maths in this respect. So, if someone wanted to do our subject at our uni, they'd have to do an A level in Maths (or equivalent qualification) on top of the T level (which, tbh, would be very unlikely).

So, with my admissions hat on, I'd check out the degree (or alternative HE qualification), and then work backwards to ensure likely subjects are covered.

A levels without a doubt. Way too many issues with T levels, plus T levels are supposed to be the equivalent of 3 x A levels so if she's having to add AL Chem as well that's a huge workload.

Plus Pharmacy is very competitive - I doubt many 18 year old applicants will be doing anything other than straight A levels.

Also worth double checking with sixth form / colleges that they will actually support a T level or something like a BTEC extended diploma with an extra A level or equivalent qualification alongside. Some won't - we hear that from potential applicants when we advise them that we require an extra Maths qual.

Can she actually even do T level plus an A level? I would be slightly surprised if timetabling allows it as vocational level3 quals are often compressed into 3 days.

Assume yes as she should gave been told no on application.
The next thing would be to ask target uni admissions tutors what they think.

A levels, without a doubt. For all the reasons outlined above. She has a clear goal, play it safe and stick to the traditional path where she’s got a really good chance of success.

My dd has just graduated in MPharm, it’s definitely AAB in the sciences ( most of her friends have AAA) she did chem biol and maths, she said those that didn’t struggled. There’s no easy way in. It’s hard going on the chemistry formulations and maths when you’re there.

Some great advice here thank you, and all agreed A level is the route. Glad I asked! I'll have a chat and check on degree requirements. Thanks Al!