Learner stories: "My main achievement has been getting into university"

Abigail Tighe was one of the first students in England to undertake a T Level – a high-quality, work-focused alternative to A Levels for those aged 16-18. After completing her two-year course at Dudley College of Technology, Abigail progressed on to the University of Worcester to study primary teaching.  

We caught up with her during her first year at university to see how the T Level had prepared her for higher education and beyond.  

Why did you choose to study a T Level?  

“Once I had decided what I would like to do in the future, I attended an open evening at Dudley College and all my choices were discussed. Out of all the options, I decided a T Level would be best for me. 

“I decided to study a T Level as I really wanted to have industry placement opportunities. I’m glad I made this decision as it really helped secure my future plans and gave me something to work towards.  

“I also prefer exams to coursework, and this is something the course offered which many others didn’t. As well as this, I knew that I would be able to go to university afterwards, which was something I had already decided on.” 

What were the highlights of the course?  

“Placements! Everything we learned in the classroom really got put into practice. Seeing the different theories and techniques being used really helped you to understand your in-classroom learning too.  

“We also got a lot of chances to take the lead on our learning and had chances to learn what we wanted to as well as what we needed to. 

“At Mother Nature Nursery, I learned about the role staff members play and how to observe children. With Cotwall End Primary School, this was my first industry placement experience in a classroom, so it allowed me to see what role the teachers play. Some of these are things I wouldn’t have necessarily known before going into the placement.  

“It also allowed me to teach small groups as part of my observations. I was initially really nervous about this – however, with the support of my tutor and the class teacher, I really enjoyed this experience and putting what I had learned into practice.”  

What are you doing now and what are your future plans?  

“I am currently at the University of Worcester doing a primary teaching degree which I am enjoying. My plans are to become a primary school teacher.  

“My main achievement has been getting into university. I think the course helped a lot with this because I was aware of a lot of the information needed in the interview, so I was in a good position.  

“The T Level also made us aware of different roles our course could take us into, and different students chose different pathways.  

“I have enjoyed my first term at university. I learned a lot from the T Level, so I am enjoying looking at this in further detail. I am also going into a placement which I am excited for as I know how much I enjoyed my college placements.”   

Would you recommend T Levels to others? 

“I would definitely recommend T Levels to other students. I really liked how, in my course particularly, we learned a lot of the knowledge in the first year and put it into practice in the second year through observations.  

“Although industry placements were throughout the two years, I feel as though I really saw myself develop more confidence and understanding in my second year. I also think it is a great course to choose no matter what steps you are deciding to take next.” 

Learn more about T Levels and the range of qualifications available by visiting our T Levels homepage.