Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered delaying the T Level implementation date if (1) no responses are received to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the first three T Levels, and (2) no responses are received that meet the required standards specified in the T Level ITT documents.

The introduction of T levels is a major change programme and we have a comprehensive programme of work underway to secure successful implementation and manage risks. We are on track for the first three T levels to be taught from September 2020, and recently achieved a significant step towards this by publishing the invitation to tender for the development of the associated technical qualifications.

The introduction of T levels in 2020 is purposely focused on a small number of T levels in a small number of education providers. We are working closely with these providers to ensure they have the support they need to meet the timetable. Over the coming months, we will continue to monitor progress by working closely with providers, employers and other delivery partners to ensure that we remain on track for teaching the first T levels in 2020.

We have received eight bids from organisations that are keen to develop and deliver the technical qualifications for the T levels due to be introduced in September 2020. We have been in regular dialogue with awarding organisations, including through engagement events for potential suppliers and sharing of the draft invitation to tender.

We are confident that the first T levels will be available from September 2020, and we will continue to keep our progress under constant review.