As pupils across Greater Manchester open their GCSE results today, those who move on to T Levels will have access to a record number of work placements.
On top of those organised by colleges, The Growth Company, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Employer Integration Board have worked with businesses to secure an extra 800 T Level placements, providing more prestigious opportunities with some of the city region’s top employers.
Young people can also study for a unique new Certificate in Applied Computing, developed in partnership with The Raspberry Pi Foundation.
And initial data suggests that Greater Manchester may once again outperform the rest of the country on T Levels – a two-year technical qualification equivalent to three A Levels – with some colleges achieving a 100% pass rate.
These results follow a year of record gains in improving access to technical education, with the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) completing its first year of delivery last month.
Designed with employers, education leaders and young people themselves, the MBacc provides a clear line of sight into high-quality jobs, drawing on local labour market insight to guide young people to sectors that are growing in our city region – from digital and technology to construction and the green economy.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “What we’re building here thanks to our brilliant schools and colleges is an education system that offers true parity between academic and technical routes.
“All young people should be able to fulfil their potential, whatever path they choose after their GCSEs. And they should have the same chance to thrive and build a great career they right here in Greater Manchester.
“We look forward to seeing the full data from last week’s T Level results, but early results seem to suggest that, once again, Greater Manchester’s T Level students have beaten the national average.
“This shows the quality of education that our schools and colleges are providing. It also proves that when we invest in technical education, young people rise to the challenge.
“I want to congratulate everyone getting their GCSE results today. Whatever path you choose next, the future is bright for you here in Greater Manchester.”
Across England, provisional results showed that 91.4% of the 11,909 students who took T Levels achieved a Pass or above. Already, data shows that some courses and colleges in Greater Manchester achieved pass rates well above this. Last year the pass rate in our city region was 94% – above the national average.
Anna Dawe, Chair of GM Colleges, said: “Technical education students across the GM Colleges have excelled in their advanced technical qualifications.
“T Level results across Greater Manchester outperformed national averages in both overall pass rate and high grades, meaning that students have secured first choice destinations.
“Many are progressing to university, and we are seeing significant increases in those securing degree apprenticeships.
“For young people receiving their GCSE results today, this demonstrates that technical education is a fantastic option, opening doors to university, apprenticeships, and exciting careers in growing sectors.”
