T-Level in Education and Early Years

Applications Open - Monday 2 November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Folkestone College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Designed for students aged 16–19, a T Level combines classroom-based learning with dynamic work placement experience at a local employer. On this T Level, you’ll discover the rewarding Early Years sector and gain the skills, knowledge and practical experiences needed to build a successful career in working with children. From supporting children’s learning, to understanding development and wellbeing, you’ll make a positive impact on their lives. There are plenty of employer-set projects, trips, networking opportunities and industry experiences, all of which will enable a growth in confidence and clarity about your future. By the time you complete the course, you will understand first-hand what it is like to work with young children, leaving you well prepared for university, higher-level apprenticeships or skilled employment in schools and nurseries.

This course combines hands-on learning, academic study and a total of 750 hours work experience placement with a local employer across the two years. In Year One, you study seven core elements: • Wider Education Sector • Supporting Education • Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity and wellbeing • Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) • Child Development • Working in partnership • Professional Practice In Year Two, you will study the occupational specialism; Early Years Educator, where you will focus on working with children under the age of seven. In Year Two you will also study: • Supporting and promoting children’s play, development and early education • Developing relationships with children to facilitate their development • Plan, provide and review care, play and educational opportunities to enable children to progress • Safeguarding, Health, Safety and wellbeing • Working in partnership In your work experience, you will develop transferrable technical and practical skills based on the knowledge gained in College. This gives you opportunity to use your skills in a realistic working environment.

The T Level is an exam-based course. Year One is assesed with Employer Set Project exams (40%) and a Core Paper Exam (60%). These results are put together and you will be awarded a grade from A* to E and U. Year Two is where you are assessed through synoptic assignments which covers meeting competency criteria, observations in industry placement, observations of children, reflections and scenario-based questions.At the end of Year Two you will be given an overall grade of a Distinction, Merit, Pass or Ungraded. Throughout Year One and Year Two you are also required to complete a variety of in class assignments to ensure you are ready for your exams.

This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success. Achieving a Level 3 qualification will improve your future earning potential and career choices. It also allows you to progress to Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead to roles like advanced technician or skilled supervisor at Level 3, and eventually to management or professional status as you continue your studies. To study at Level 3, including all T Level and A Level programmes, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, including English and Maths.

Completing a T Level means easy progression to a new career in the world of Education and Early Years. The skills gained are invaluable and are highly sought after by employers. Roles that you could go into include: • Playworker • Teaching Assistant • Learning Mentor • Nursery Worker • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant As T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels, former students have progressed to universities across the country. If university isn’t for you, then higher-level apprenticeships are also an option. Thanks to choosing a T Level, Evie is now heading to Canterbury Christ Church University to study a degree in Primary Education: "This was a great stepping stone for going to university. My work placement at Lympinge Preschool has really helped prepare me for working with children. It gave me a good view of education and the staff there were so helpful and inspiring."