In recognition of the additional costs that are unique to early T Level providers, the DfE will introduce additional one-off payments to providers for each new T Level introduced in 2020, and also for providers introducing the transition framework in 2020.

This is one of the outcomes from the DfE’s provider funding consultation which closed earlier this year. The additional payments recognise the costs associated with early engagement in T Levels and the development of the transition framework. The DfE is considering further one-off payments for providers covering each new T Level introduced in 2021 and those introducing the transition framework in 2021.

In general funding terms, the consultation outcome confirmed that the government will fund different T Levels at different rates depending on their size. 18-year-old T Level students will be funded at the same rate as 16- and 17-year-olds.

Local offer

Following concerns raised during the consultation that students should not be prevented from taking a T Level just because there is not a skills need locally for that particular subject, the DfE has clarified that providers can also take into account factors such as national skills needs, breadth of provision and social mobility when planning what T Levels to offer.

Industry placements

The DfE will continue to consider the funding rate for industry placements following concerns expressed during the consultation phase about this mandatory aspect of T Levels. Additional funding will be made available to students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Maths and English

The DfE is confident that its proposals will provide sufficient funding at the right time for students who need to continue studying maths and English despite some concerns that the funding should be spread over two years for those that need it, rather than as a one-off payment in the first year.