Education and Early Years: Generation 2
Please use the categories below to find the relevant answer to your question.
Generation 2 is now the current Education and Early Years T Level for all new students. It was introduced from September 2025 and includes updated core content, Occupational Specialisms and assessment arrangements.
The first Generation 2 cohort, who started in September 2025, are now in Year 2. Students who started in September 2026 are in Year 1.
Providers should use the Generation 2 qualification specification and assessment materials relevant to the student’s cohort.
Any students still completing Generation 1 must remain on the Generation 1 qualification and continue to follow the Generation 1 specification and assessment arrangements.
Yes. The Key Dates Schedule includes dates for both generations and there are differences in assessment dates and requirements.
For Generation 1, the autumn 2026 assessment series is available for the Core Component only. The summer 2027 assessment series is the final assessment opportunity for both the Core Component and Occupational Specialism.
Generation 2 students should follow the dates for the Generation 2 qualification. Providers should always refer to the latest T Level Key Dates Schedule 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Yes. The Department for Education is responsible for T Level industry placement policy and guidance.
For Generation 2, the additional 100 hours associated with the industry placement observation continue to apply to the Early Years Educator Occupational Specialism. From 2026/27, these additional 100 hours are not required for the Assisting Teaching Occupational Specialism.
Please refer to guidance from the DfE.
No. Our special considerations policy will remain the same for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level.
Approval requirements
Providers that are not already approved need to apply to NCFE during the relevant T Level approval window.
For providers wishing to start delivery in September 2027, the approval window is 22 February 2027 to 25 June 2027.
If a college operates across multiple campuses, a separate approval is required for each campus. If a provider is part of a Multi Academy Trust, each academy must apply individually.
Where an approval review is required, providers must be able to accommodate the review within the required 20 working day period.
Registration and entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level students. However, provider feedback indicates that students who have achieved a grade 5 or above in their English and maths GCSEs are more likely to succeed on this T Level. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework also highlights the importance of strong English language skills for early years practitioners.
No, students can’t transfer from Generation 1 to Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level. Students must complete the T Level they originally registered on.
Generation 1 students must continue to take assessments aligned to the Generation 1 specification.
The autumn 2026 assessment series is available for the Core Component only. The summer 2027 assessment series is the final assessment opportunity for both the Core Component and Occupational Specialism.
Training and resources
Providers must use the qualification specification that applies to the student’s cohort.
Students who started Generation 2 in September 2025 should follow the specification for teaching from 1 September 2025. Students who started in September 2026 should follow the specification for teaching from 1 September 2026.
Both versions are available on the Generation 2 qualification page.
We provide training and support for Generation 2, including CPD opportunities, events, webinars, resources and support from our Provider Development team.
Providers should refer to the Generation 2 qualification page and current NCFE T Level events and support information for the latest support available.
The mandatory standardisation training has been updated to reflect the Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level.
Providers must ensure the relevant mandatory standardisation training is completed before staff undertake the Occupational Specialism assessment activity.
Sample Assessment Materials and additional assessment materials are available on the Generation 2 qualification page to help providers understand the assessment requirements and prepare students for assessment.
Providers should make sure they are using the materials relevant to the Generation 2 qualification.
We’ve developed new resources that align to the Education and Early Years T Level qualification specification. These are available on a modular basis, allowing providers to select materials that best suit their delivery needs.
Download our free Schemes of Work and three Core 1.1 session packs to explore the content, structure and learning experience.
Visit the teaching materials tab on the qualification page or access our Learning Resources Factsheet to learn more about our resources and pricing.
Purchasing the new learning resources is not mandatory, and they are not related to any previous purchases related to Generation 1. The new learning resources are aligned to the Generation 2 qualification specification and will support delivery.
Download our free Schemes of Work and three Core 1.1 session packs to explore the content, structure and learning experience.
Visit the teaching materials tab on the qualification page or access our Learning Resources Factsheet to learn more about our resources and pricing.
Providers also have access to free CPD webinars, events and CPD recordings. You can also book curriculum consultations with our Provider Development team to plan delivery across both the old and new Education and Early Years T Levels. View our full programme of T Level Events and Webinars.
Progression to higher education
Universities and higher education providers set their own entry requirements.
Providers should advise students to check the entry requirements for the individual university and course they are considering.
T Level Provider Appointed Assessor Approval
Yes, the assessor will still need to apply using the approval form.
Yes. If the assessor has not been involved in Generation 1 moderation, they must complete the approval application.
No, provided they were actively assessing in Generation 1.
Yes, they must complete the approval form.
The expectation is that:
- CPD should be relevant and completed within the last 12 months
- Evidence should demonstrate meaningful and recent professional development relevant to the role.
Actual certificates must be provided, as this is a requirement of the assessment strategy.