FE and HE Options Explored

1. FE and HE Options Explored Gideon Woldeslassie HE Progression Adviser

2. In this session, we will cover: • Options at Level 3 • An introduction to T levels • Options at Level 4 and above • Contextual admissions • Entry requirements for HE courses

3. Options at Level 3 FE Age 16-18 HE Age 18+ A-Levels University Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE's 5 GCSE's grades 4-9 including maths and English Higher and Degree Apprenticeships BTECs et al. Employment Apprenticeships

4. Why T levels? Government review of post-16 quals in 2016 concluded that too many level 2 and 3 qualifications ‘which deliver similar but different outcomes compete with one another.’ ‘If a young person wants to study history or geography after GCSEs, they know they can take an A-level…but if a student wants to study an engineering qualification after GCSEs, there are over 200 options to choose from’

5. What are T Levels? https://extra.shu.ac.uk/heppsy/blog/hepa/hepa-blog-why-t-levels/

6. What are T Levels? • Summary: • 2-year technical programmes for young people aged 16 to19 • Combine classroom study with workplace experience, from which students can progress directly into work or further study. • Along with apprenticeships, T levels will provide young people with a ‘high quality technical alternative to A levels.’

7. When will T Levels be introduced? • The rollout of T Levels will be phased. • The first three T Levels that will be introduced in September 2020 will be in: • Digital (Digital Production, Design and Development) • Construction (Design, Surveying and Planning) • Education and Childcare (Education)

8. T Levels: FAQs Q. What’s the difference between a T Level and an apprenticeship? 20:80 vs 80:20 ratio of workplace to classroom split Q. What does the future hold for other Level 3 quals, e.g. BTECs? Remains to be seen – a review of level 2 and 3 (excl. A levels and GCSEs) is underway Q. What are the entry requirements for T Levels? In general: Grade 4 and above in GCSE English & Maths, or a Functional Skills Pass Q. Will T Levels attract UCAS points? Yes – D M P, equivalent to 3 A levels

9. HE Progression Routes

11. Contextual admissions Information and data used by universities and colleges to assess an applicant’s prior attainment, in the context of their individual circumstances. • Can include: • The school and/or college students attended • The area students live in • Participation in relevant outreach schemes • Family history of higher education participation • Disability status • Experience of Care ‘The aim is to form a more complete picture of the applicant, to identify those with the greatest potential to succeed in HE’ Not charity - evidence shows that students who may benefit from contextual admissions do at least as well, and sometimes better, in degree attainment than comparable groups of more privileged students.

12. Contextual admissions can result in ‘reduced offers’ for relevant students

13. Contextual admissions - recent developments Sutton Trust research Recent OfS comments

15. Contextual admissions – Applying and ‘contextual flags’ A contextual application is often automatically flagged from answers to UCAS application questions or info in reference. However some other approaches (2018/19 application cycle) are: York Access Scheme – separate application, should be submitted with or before UCAS application. Access Leeds – separate application form, deadline after the on-time UCAS deadline (25th Feb in 2019). Newcastle PARTNERS – add the letter ‘P’ in the further details section of the degree programme applied for on UCAS.

16. Entry requirements for HE courses – more than just grades… • Portfolio (creative courses) • Additional assessments (e.g. education, healthcare, law, specific universities) • Other (DBS, health check, driving) • Interview / assessment centre • Audition (performing arts) • Advice to students is to research courses and use time well to ensure all entry requirements can be met

17. Any questions?g.woldeslassie@sheffield.ac.uk