Post-16 students and academy leaders at Outwood Academy Adwick have showcased their new, state-of-the-art T-Level facilities to Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, along with course placement partners from the NHS, RDASH, Doncaster City Council the Association of Colleges.

The academy began offering T-Level Health in September 2023, now following a recent significant investment, students train in a purpose-built hospital wing and have access to a new IT suite. As part of the course, students spend one day a week working with NHS professionals in external hospitals and healthcare facilities.  

Students were keen to share their experiences with Mr Miliband and demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have gained, both at the academy facilities and working alongside professionals in a range of different specialisms. 

Mr Miliband MP said:

“Outwood Academy Adwick’s new facilities and T-Level curriculum will play a significant role in shaping the futures of our young people in Doncaster.”

Andy Scruby, Lead Principal at the academy, added:

“It’s rewarding to see students receiving high-quality, industry experience in professional medical settings and being able to link this with the knowledge and skills developed in our facilities with their teachers. The partnerships between the NHS, teachers and students are extremely powerful and it is no surprise to see the levels of engagement and professionalism of our students.”

Professionals shared how they value the relationships they have formed with students, who have become integral members of their teams. Many students have secured professional positions for when they finish their studies and will have the chance to continue learning at degree level and beyond.

Mr Miliband MP continued:

“Students will gain first-hand experience in their chosen subjects, working alongside professionals across the region. The opportunities on offer are of the highest calibre and I cannot wait to see the students succeed in their studies”

The vision to deliver T-Levels at the academy has been the effort of Aalok Kanwar, Senior Science Director at Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), whose tireless dedication to offering courses and careers education has now come to fruition, enabling students to access a pathway into highly skilled and rewarding careers. Working with the Department for Education and Doncaster City Council, OGAT were able to secure funds to build outstanding new facilities, inspiring students and providing them with the very best teaching and learning opportunities.

Mr Kanwar, said:

“I am thrilled for the students and teaching staff. These facilities will allow the students to experience a workplace environment while developing the practical skills required for success within healthcare.

“Although based at Outwood Academy Adwick, we welcome any Year 11 student, regardless of school, to study within these facilities; ultimately, our goal is to create a sustainable local employment pathway for the young people of Doncaster. If you are interested, please come and visit. We hope that like our current students, you will be truly excited and inspired!”

As the T-Level in Health has been such a popular choice for students at the academy, the school has recently announced that it will be expanding its courses for September 2025. Students across Doncaster can now also apply to study T-Level Animal Care or Administration and Management. Further construction work will start in the coming weeks to develop specialist facilities within the school to accommodate these courses. As with the Health course, 20 per cent of learning time will take place outside of the classroom, with students being guaranteed an industrial placement for one day a week. 

The courses include:

• T-Level Health 

  Develop practical skills in patient care, medical terminology and healthcare administration, preparing you for a rewarding career in the NHS or other healthcare settings. Work placement partners include; NHS Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation and City of Doncaster Council

• T-Level Animal Care 

  Gain hands-on experience in animal handling, husbandry and welfare, opening doors to careers at veterinary practices, animal shelters, and zoos. Work placement partners include; Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Markham Grange. 

• T-Level Administration and Management 

  Build essential business skills like communication, project management and customer service, leading to exciting opportunities in various industries. Work placement partners include; Amazon, Polypipe, Next and Outwood Grange Academies Trust.

T-Level courses provide a clear route from GCSE studies to high-quality education and training in the academy and are partnered with leading employers. Equivalent to three A-Levels, the qualifications provide the students with skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications to either progress directly into professional roles at the end of their course, continue their studies in higher education or enter higher-level apprenticeships. 

Alongside top-quality facilities, students studying at Outwood Academy Adwick have access to expert teaching, local work placements, careers guidance and support and a dedicated work placement mentor.