Generation 2 FAQs
Overview of the changes
What are the main changes between Generation 1 and Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
We’ve made changes to the Education and Early Years T Level after taking account of the review carried out by the Government, provider feedback, and input from subject specialists. The changes include updates to the core content, revisions to occupational specialisms, and adjustments to assessments. Please refer to our Generation 2 qualification page for a full list of the changes.
Will the Key Dates Schedule (KDS) be different for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
Yes, the KDS will include dates for both generations of this T Level, and there will be some differences in assessment dates. However, there will still be an autumn and summer series, and the Employer Set Project and core exams will take place at broadly the same time, as will the Occupational Specialism assessments. Please review the KDS when it is released on 1 July 2025.
Are there any changes to industry placement for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
No. The DfE is responsible for policy and guidance on T Level industry placements. Any changes will be communicated in guidance from the DfE on industry placements.
Will moderation visits still be required for Generation 1 Education and Early Years T Level?
Yes, moderation visits will still be required for Generation 1 Education and Early Years T Level.
Are there any changes to special considerations for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
No. Our special considerations policy will remain the same for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level.
Can providers have both Generation 1 and Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level students in the same classroom?
Timetabling and teaching arrangements are for providers to determine. However, there are differences between the Generation 1 and Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level specifications and assessments which may mean that it is more appropriate for providers to teach each cohort separately.
Registration and entry requirements
Do providers register students differently for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
No, the registration process for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level students will remain the same as it is for Generation 1, read more here.
Are there entry requirements for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level students?
There are no formal entry requirements for Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level students. However, provider feedback suggests 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.
Can Generation 1 students move to Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
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.
Will providers need to re-register my Generation 1 students in 2025?
No, there is no need to re-register Generation 1 students in 2025. Students will remain on their current specification until completion.
How will retakes work for Generation 1 students?
If students are on the Generation 1 specification and wish to retake an assessment in the 2025/26 academic year, they’ll continue to sit assessments aligned to the Generation 1 specification.
Training and resources
Has the Generation 2 qualification specification been updated since its first publication?
When we released the qualification specification for the Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level, this was issued as a draft while we worked with the Department for Education (DfE) and Skills England on a review of the guided learning hours (GLH) attributed to the placement of the Early Years Educator Occupational Specialism.
We’ve now had confirmation from DfE and Skills England that the policy and service requirements don’t permit the inclusion of GLH in the placement hours (outside of the 100 hours that are already included). To ensure that you have clarity on the GLH and total qualification time (TQT) requirements, we’ve updated our qualification specification. Please ensure you’ve downloaded the most up to date version of the specification (version 1.1). The qualification will remain within funding band 6.
Will there be any training available for providers who will be delivering the Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
Yes, there will be CPD opportunities for staff delivering Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level. These will include training sessions, workshops, and free resources to help you prepare for delivering the updated specification.
Our Provider Development team is:
- creating on-demand videos
- planning to host a live virtual session summarising the changes and core assessments with Q&A
- holding a drop-in clinic for questions and queries related to teaching and learning and preparing students for the assessments
- offering an additional Curriculum Consultation to each provider.
More information and dates for these sessions will be announced soon.
There will also be opportunities for networking and collaboration between providers to share best practices and support the implementation of this T Level.
Will there be changes to the mandatory standardisation training?
Yes, we’ll update the mandatory standardisation training to reflect the changes in the Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level. This training will be available from September 2026 and will need to be completed before the start of the Occupational Specialism window in early 2027.
Will there be exemplar materials or case studies to help providers understand the changes?
We’ll provide sample assessment materials on our qualification webpage to help you understand the changes and prepare for delivery.
Will providers need to purchase new resources/textbooks to match the qualification specification?
No, you won’t be required to purchase new resources to deliver the qualification as much of the content is the same, however we will be releasing a suite of new resources and support materials some of which will incur an additional fee.
When will schemes of work be available?
New schemes of work will be published in July to support you.
Will there be a document mapping Generation 1 content to Generation 2 to support planning?
No, there is currently no mapping document, but you should familiarise yourself with the new specification and assessment methods.
Progression to higher education
Are universities accepting Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level?
Universities that currently accept the Generation 1 Education and Early Years T Level are expected to accept Generation 2 Education and Early Years T Level. Please advise your students to check individual university entry requirements.