A SELECT group of schools and colleges across the North-East have been chosen to be among the first to offer the T-Level alternative qualification to A-Levels.

Darlington College, University Technical College South Durham, Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College, Macmillan Academy in Middlesbrough, King James I Academy in Bishop Auckland and East Durham College are among 88 education providers selected to offer the pioneering qualifications from September 2022, taking the total to over 180 across England.

It has previously been announced that schools and colleges including New College Durham, Durham Sixth Form Centre and Gateshead College would teach T-Level courses, which will combine classroom theory, practical learning and an industry placement.

Not all colleges will offer all the subject areas, which include law, engineering and manufacturing, digital, construction, health, science and education.

A Department of Education spokesman said T-Levels would help rebuild the economy after the coronavirus outbreak, boosting access to high-quality technical education.