Posted on October 13th, 2025
Paul Hatton, Head of School for Early Years and Health and Care at St Helens College, shares how T Level students have successfully progressed into future careers and Higher Education. Punam Khosla, Area Relationship and Development Lead (ARDL) at the Education Training Foundation (ETF), reflects on her collaboration with the College and the impact it has made.
What is your role at St Helens college?
Head of School for Early Years and Health.
How long have you been working with T Levels?
We started preparing for T Level delivery in Early Years and Health at the start of academic year 2022/ 2023. We particularly focused on the development of key resources, for example, our realistic early years setting and simulated health ward, and staff development for T Level teaching, learning and assessment.
How have students progressed from T Levels?
Our first cohort of T Level students began in September 2023 and were certificated in August 2025. The majority have progressed to university to pursue careers in primary school teaching or adult nursing. Those who did not take up university offers have entered the early years nursery workforce.
Can you share any successes from previous students, how they have progressed and where they are now?
We are proud to celebrate the success of thirteen Early Years T Level students, with twelve progressing to university to pursue careers in education, and one choosing full-time employment in the sector. In Health, all students have successfully completed their T Level and are now continuing their journey at university to study healthcare-related degrees.
How has ETF supported the college with T Levels?
ETF has worked tirelessly alongside college managers and teaching staff to offer advice, support, guidance, and training to ensure all our students had the best opportunity to succeed at T Levels. Without the support of ETF, we wouldn’t have made the progress and success at the speed we have.
How would you like to see T Levels progress in the future?
Currently, T Level programmes run five days a week over two years, with core and occupational specialisms assessed primarily through examinations. However, recognising students’ day-to-day performance in the classroom, alongside book scrutiny – can provide a more holistic view of their progress, growth, and development throughout the programme. I would welcome further investment in resources, particularly in technological advancements that enhance realistic working environments in both Early Years and Health sectors.
Punam, how have you worked with St Helen’s College and what impact have you seen?
I have been working with St Helens College since they embarked on their T Level journey. I have worked with a range of colleagues; senior managers, curriculum leads, teachers and business support staff to provide targeted continued professional development (CPD) support with the T Level Professional Development (TLPD) offer. This has provided a whole organisational approach for workforce development across the college. I have conducted an organisational and individual training needs analysis with curriculum leads which has provided a development plan highlighting key priorities. With a regular schedule of meetings in place, this allows all colleagues to receive the support and guidance as and when they require it. The impact of this collaboration with St Helens College has led to a confident, well-trained team to deliver a high-quality provision to their T Level students. The high levels of achievement, retention, performance, and positive destinations of the learners confirm the impact and benefit of the ETF TPLD offer.