Kennet Sixth Form welcomed representatives from local organisations to a special T Level Celebration Evening, recognising the partnerships and industry placements helping students at Kennet Sixth Form to prepare for their future careers.

The event brought together colleagues from organisations that have supported, and continue to support, Sixth Form students through placements undertaken as part of their T Level courses. These placements provide students with valuable experience in the workplace, allowing them to develop practical skills and apply their learning in a professional environment.

Guests heard from Abigail Cooper from the NHS and Emily Moseley from Thatcham Town Council, who was joined by Ryan, a T Level Management and Administration student. Karen Jones from Spurcroft Primary School also spoke alongside Florence, who is studying T Level Health, whilst Alfie and Callum shared their perspectives as T Level Media, Broadcast and Production students.

The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate Kennet Sixth Form’s strong T Level performance compared with national averages. At Kennet, 97% of students achieved a pass or higher across all T Level courses, compared with the national average of 92.6%. In addition, 86% achieved a Merit or above, significantly exceeding the national average of 69%.

Kennet’s individual courses also performed strongly, with the proportion of students achieving a Merit or above exceeding national averages in every pathway:

• Health: 100% at Kennet, compared with 79.3% nationally
• Management and Administration: 92%, compared with 66.6% nationally
• Education and Early Years: 86%, compared with 84.2% nationally
• Media, Broadcast and Production: 63%, compared with 54.2% nationally

Every Kennet T Level student also completed their required industry placement, compared with a national average of 97.2%.

Kennet School remains the only school in West Berkshire offering T Levels, providing young people with a high-quality technical alternative to a traditional A Level programme. Combining classroom study with an extensive industry placement, each two-year T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and has been developed in collaboration with employers.

Ms R Mann, Sixth Form Deputy, has also been invited by the Department for Education to join its T Level Delivery Group. The expert advisory group brings together sector leaders, education specialists and delivery experts to provide insight into measures intended to strengthen the delivery and appeal of T Levels. Its upcoming work will focus on areas including assessment, accessibility and maintaining the quality of industry placements.

Mrs M Webb, Business Development and T Level Placement Officer, said: “It was a pleasure to host our T Level Celebration Event and thank the many employers who partner with Kennet Sixth Form to make T Levels such a success.

“The evening showcased the power of these partnerships, with inspiring stories from students and employers highlighting the transformative impact of industry placements.

“I left feeling proud of our students, grateful to our employer partners and privileged to be part of a team that provides such valuable opportunities for young people.”

Mr R Tamale, Head of Sixth Form, added: “Our students’ achievements demonstrate the exceptional value of T Levels and the ambition and professionalism they bring to their studies and placements.

“We are incredibly grateful to our employer partners, whose expertise, time and encouragement allow our students to gain meaningful experience of the workplace. These partnerships are central to the success of our T Level provision and support students in developing the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to progress into higher education, apprenticeships or employment.”

The Celebration Evening reflected the strength of the partnerships between Kennet Sixth Form and local employers, as well as their shared commitment to creating valuable opportunities for young people across West Berkshire.