New Social Care T Level: how does it differ from the current Health & Social Care BTEC?

A qualification focused on social care

Perhaps the biggest difference is that the proposed T Level focuses explicitly on social care rather than combining health and social care within a single programme.

The proposed content includes substantial coverage of:

• Adult social care services and settings
• The Care Act 2014
• Adult safeguarding
• Personal budgets and direct payments
• Supported living and Shared Lives
• Reablement and discharge-to-assess pathways
• Social care funding and commissioning
• CQC regulation and professional standards

This reflects the structure, legislation and realities of adult social care services in England.

Greater emphasis on workplace readiness

The proposed T Level places a strong emphasis on what learners will be able to do in practice.

Students are expected to develop competencies such as:

• Gathering and recording information to support assessments
• Observing and reporting on an individual’s wellbeing
• Supporting routine care activities
• Working within safeguarding and Mental Capacity Act frameworks
• Contributing to care reviews and evaluations

This occupational approach is intended to prepare learners for skilled employment and apprenticeships within the sector.

Built around real social care roles

The occupational specialism aligns closely with entry-level adult social care roles such as:

• Care Worker
• Support Worker
• Home Care Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Residential Care Worker

Many employers may recognise similarities with the skills and behaviours expected through the Care Certificate and early-career workforce pathways.

Significant industry placement requirement

All T Level learners must complete an industry placement of at least 315 hours, equivalent to approximately 45 days.

This provides a substantial opportunity for social care providers to:

• Support learners entering the sector
• Influence workforce development
• Identify future recruits
• Build links with colleges and training providers

The placement requirement is a defining feature of the T Level programme.

A stronger focus on digital skills

The proposed content reflects the increasing role of technology in adult social care, including:

• Electronic care records
• Digital care planning systems
• Telecare and assistive technology
• Remote monitoring
• Data protection and cyber security
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

This reflects the sector’s continued digital transformation and the expectation that future workers will be confident using technology in care settings.

Sustainability also features

One unexpected area of the proposed curriculum is sustainability.

Students would be expected to understand topics such as:

• Efficient use of resources
• Waste reduction
• Environmental responsibility
• Sustainable procurement and working practices
• Net Zero ambitions

While not traditionally associated with care qualifications, these themes are increasingly relevant to service delivery and organisational strategy.

An opportunity for employers to shape the future workforce

The key question for employers is whether this qualification will produce young people who are better prepared for careers in adult social care than existing qualifications.

The Department for Education is seeking views on whether the proposed content reflects current and emerging sector needs, prepares learners for skilled employment and supports progression into apprenticeships, higher education and the wider care workforce.

Consultation documents

Consultation overview
Social Care T Level proposed outline content

Deadline
The consultation closes on 9 August 2026. Employers and employer representative bodies are encouraged to review the proposals and submit their views.