How T Levels gave these future teachers a head start

As part of T Level Week, we caught up with five former Gateshead College students who are now studying Primary Education at Sunderland University to find out how their T Level helped prepare them for university and a future career in teaching.

Emma, Lexi, Annalise, Grace and Mia all completed the T Level in Education and Early Years before progressing to higher education. Looking back, they agree that choosing a T Level gave them a head start both academically and professionally.

One of the biggest reasons the group chose a T Level was the opportunity to combine classroom study with substantial industry experience. Unlike traditional academic routes, T Levels include an industry placement, giving students the chance to apply their learning in real-world settings while developing practical skills and confidence.

“The hands-on experience was a big factor,” explained one of the students. “Being able to spend time in a school environment alongside classroom learning really appealed to me.”

For others, the T Level offered the perfect balance between an academic qualification and practical experience, while still providing a clear route to university.

When asked about the highlights of the course, all five students agreed that industry placements were among the most rewarding aspects of their studies. Working in schools gave them valuable insight into the education sector, helping them understand classroom environments, teaching approaches and the different roles within a school setting.

The experience proved so valuable that some students were even offered employment opportunities during their placements.

“We knew we wanted to become teachers, so being able to gain experience in schools while studying was invaluable,” they said.

The group were also keen to recognise the support they received from staff throughout their time at Gateshead College.

“Our lecturers and tutors were amazing,” they said. “They were always there to help and support us throughout the course.”

That encouragement helped build both confidence and resilience, ensuring they were ready for the next step in their education journey.

Now studying Primary Education at Sunderland University, the students say their T Level prepared them exceptionally well for higher education.

“It prepared us really well,” they explained. “A lot of the content we covered in our first year at university was similar to what we had already studied during our T Level.”

The group found they already understood many of the academic concepts, expectations and ways of working that university life brings, helping them settle into their degree more quickly. Several said they felt more prepared than many of their peers because of the depth of knowledge and practical experience they’d already gained.

Thanks to the experience and skills developed through their T Level and industry placements, the students are already able to undertake supply work in schools alongside their studies. This practical experience continues to strengthen their skills while supporting their long-term career ambitions.

While the qualification has helped shape their professional development, the students say one of the unexpected benefits was the friendships they built during their time at college.

“We all met through college and became close friends during the course,” they said.

Although attending the same university wasn’t part of the original plan, the group have continued their journey together, supporting each other as they work towards their goals.

Most of the group plan to become primary school teachers after graduating, while others are considering specialist education settings and SEND-focused careers. For anyone considering a T Level, the group had one piece of advice:

“If you have the grades, choose the T Level. It gives you so many opportunities. You can progress into employment, move on to university and gain valuable industry experience before you start your career.”

“If you have the grades, choose the T Level. It gives you so many opportunities. You can progress into employment, move on to university and gain valuable industry experience before you start your career.”

Looking back on their time at Gateshead College, the students agree that every aspect of the course helped prepare them for where they are today.

“Trust the process. There will be challenging days, but it’s all worth it. Everything you do on the course helps prepare you for the future.”

The students all agree that their T Level provided a strong foundation for university, valuable industry experience and the confidence to take the next steps towards their careers in education.