“There is no single route to achieving your ambitions,” said the new education secretary Lucy Powell, commenting on this summer’s exam results. Increasing numbers of young people appear to agree. Almost 20,000 students received T Level results this year, an increase of about 65 per cent on 2025. New pathways have widened the offer, while participation has also grown in established T Levels. That growth deserves recognition, but context matters. T Levels accounted for fewer than 20,000 of the 1.1 million level 3 results issued in England this summer. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.