Two more of the original 50 T-level providers have decided to delay offering the qualifications for a year due to Covid-19, the Department for Education has said. 

Sandwell Academy, in West Bromwich, and Walsall Studio School have both decided to hold off on delivering T levels in September.

Now, six of the original 50 providers have pulled out of offering the qualifications from 2020. In June, it was announced that Access Creative College, Durham Sixth Form Centre, Salesian School and University College Birmingham would all be delaying delivery until 2021.

Opinion: Can there possibly be enough T-level placements?

More: Can T-level providers be ready in September?

Background: Government fully committed to T-level delivery in 2020

The DfE also said that Reigate College, which was due to deliver T levels in 2021, has decided not to do so, but “remains committed to delivering T levels in the longer term”.

Majority of providers ‘on track to deliver T levels’

In a letter to the sector in early April, apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan said that the government was fully committed to delivering T levels in 2020 and 2021. 

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We are really pleased that the vast majority of 2020 providers remain on track to deliver T levels from September and we thank FE leaders and staff for their continued support and hard work.

“Due to the impact of coronavirus, Sandwell Academy and Walsall Studio have both decided to delay delivery of T levels until 2021. Both providers remain fully committed to T levels and we will continue to work closely with them to make the programme a success.

“Reigate College also remains committed to delivering T levels in the longer term but has decided not to do so in 2021 so they can focus on working with students on existing qualifications to ensure a positive recovery from Covid-19.”

Sandwell Academy and Walsall Studio School have both been contacted for comment.