Skip to content
English - United Kingdom
More support
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

T Level Foundation Programme

T Levels represent a significant step up in technical education, but not every post-16 learner is immediately ready for the full two-year programme. The T Level Foundation Year is a one-year course designed to bridge that gap

 It provides students with a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen route, preparing them specifically for Level 3 study. 

Understanding the Foundation Year 

This programme is funded under the 16–19 study programme model and is designed for students aged 16–19, or up to age 24 for those with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan. 

The course is built around five key components that ensure holistic development for the learner: 

  • Technical Knowledge and Skills: Introduces key concepts and practical skills to build early technical understanding. 
  • English, Maths, and Digital: Supports learners in achieving Level 2 qualifications in these essential subjects if they have not done so already. 
  • Skills for Successful Study: Focuses on time management, research, referencing, and critical thinking to prepare for the academic rigour of a T Level. 
  • Workplace Preparation: Covers professional behaviours, communication, and teamwork to ensure students understand organisational expectations. 
  • Positive Attitudes and Behaviours: Helps build confidence, manage stress, and promote personal growth. 

Delivering TQUK Endorsed Courses 

TQUK offers T Level Foundation Courses that are "endorsed," meaning they are not regulated by Ofqual or placed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This status provides centres with the flexibility to adapt delivery to suit their specific context and learner needs. 

Despite this flexibility, our courses are fully mapped to the Department for Education’s National Technical Outcomes (NTOs). This ensures that learners are developing the specific technical skills required for their future pathway. 

We have developed courses across two phases to cover a wide range of sectors: 

  • Phase 1: Digital, Health and Science, Construction and the Built Environment, Engineering and Manufacturing, and Education and Early Years. 
  • Phase 2: Agriculture, Sales, Legal, Creative and Design, and Business and Administration. 

Assessment and support 

Because teachers know their learners best, centres are responsible for creating their own assessments. These assessments should be contextualised to allow learners to apply their skills in realistic, work-related scenarios. 

To support this, TQUK provides a suite of optional resources upon registration. These include fact sheets, student progress trackers, observation templates, and curriculum planning examples. 

Key funding Information  

The T Level Foundation Course can be included as a non-regulated learning aim within a 16–19 study programme. It is designed specifically to support progression to a T Level. 

Next steps for your centre 

If you are interested in delivering these courses, you can review the specific National Technical Outcomes for each route or download our factsheets to learn more.