More students gained a distinction or above in education and early years T Levels than in any other subject, according to results published today.

More than a third (34.5%) of education and early years T Level students gained a distinction or a starred distinction, according to government figures. The subject with second highest proportion of distinctions was health (25.8%) and the lowest was digital business services (2.5%).

The numbers of students taking an education and early years T Level have more than doubled this year, rising from 462 in 2021/22 to 989 in 2022/23.

T Levels were launched in 2020, with the first cohort of students receiving their results in 2022. The equivalent of three A Levels, the vocational qualification combines placements with classroom learning.

The education and early years T Level allows students to specialise either in assisting learning or early years education. Students on the Early Years Educator pathway hold a licence to practise on completion of the qualification, and employers can count them at Level 3 in the employment ratios.

Janet King, sector manager for education and childcare at NCFE, the awarding body which developed the qualification, said: “The education and early years T Level is proving an extremely popular and successful qualification. We’re delighted to see increasing numbers of students choosing this pathway as it’s an excellent route for young, skilled individuals to enter the sector, based around the needs of employers.”

She added: “Amidst the shadow of recruitment and retention challenges, it is crucial and wonderful to celebrate success and the amazing achievements of all our T Level students. We’re excited to see the continued impact this qualification will have on our sector moving forwards.”

Ian Everitt, programme area manager for education and early years at Leicester College, said 76% of the college’s education and early years T Level students had achieved a merit or a distinction. “Our results have been great,” he said.   “Around two thirds are heading to university…the remaining students are all in employment already.”