Headteacher shares inspirational experience with Burnley College T Level students

Karen Gordon - Headteacher Addresses T Level Students.jpg.jpg

Karen Gordon, the well-respected Headteacher at Reedley Hallows Nursery, has been inspiring T Level Early Years learners at Burnley College.

Karen has a wealth of experience in shaping education, as a practitioner and curriculum influencer. She shared invaluable insights into what it takes to thrive in the rewarding world of Early Years education.

During her visit, Karen emphasised the importance of professional behaviours and safeguarding knowledge as cornerstones of success in Early Years roles:

“You can teach skills and content but, without communication, initiative and professionalism, you won’t go far in this field. 

“I think Burnley College does an amazing job of helping students develop those essentials.” 

Karen was especially impressed by the ambition she witnessed in Burnley College learners:

“So many of them already have a clear vision of where they want to go, with the majority looking beyond being a Teaching Assistant, setting their sights on becoming teachers or other roles where they can really make a difference.

“That aspiration, that drive to challenge themselves, is what will allow them to succeed.” 

T Levels were launched in 2020 and are an exciting and innovative qualification which combines expert tuition in the classroom with at least 315 hours, approximately 45 days, on a real-world work placement.

Burley College Early Years Tutor Tina Anadkat, a Government-appointed T Level Ambassador,  says that makes T Levels such an exciting pathway:

“It’s so much more than simply going through a textbook.

“We prepare learners for the real world – how to communicate, present themselves professionally and take the initiative. 

“We remind them to ask for the experience they want; push themselves forward to learn new skills and roles and show they’re truly work-ready.’” 

Karen has an established relationship with Burnley College, attending a pioneering employer group focussed on tailoring the T Level curriculum and Teaching Assistant qualifications to real-world needs.

Karen says it reflects a shared commitment to developing highly skilled, work-ready learners:

“I think the calibre of students at Burnley College is really high. You can really see how learning is never simply a box-ticking exercise at Burnley College.

“The College genuinely listens to employer feedback and we see changes as early as the next year. That’s rare, and it’s what makes Burnley College stand out.” 

“I’ve worked in a number of regions, but the level of collaboration here in Lancashire is unique. 

“Burnley College is really ahead of the game, ensuring that what’s taught aligns perfectly with what employers need.”

She added that the benefits to employers of offering T Level placement, like her own nursery, are clear:

“The Students we take from Burnley College are always exceptionally well-prepared and a real boost to our business.

“At the same time, we always know who to reach out to for support at Burnley College. It’s a partnership that works.” 

Discover how to turn your passion for education and young people into a truly rewarding career. Learn from industry-experienced Tutors at the Number 1 College in England*: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/search/?st=h&q=tlevel

*in the Government’s National Achievement Rate Tables for learners aged 16-18, since 2018.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Burnley College

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin