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Barnet and Southgate College students embark on first ever T Level student placements in cancer services at Royal Free Hospital

7th October, LONDON

T Level students from Barnet and Southgate College will embark on the first-ever T Level student industry placements in NHS cancer services.

Three Laboratory Science T Level students from Barnet and Southgate College have started work placements with the Royal Free Hospital, designed to give them practical, high-quality NHS experience in cancer services.

The initiative is part of the North Central London Cancer Alliance’s (NCL CA) workforce strategy, which is designed to inspire young people to pursue healthcare careers in cancer care, while giving them valuable experience within a local NHS hospital.

The students will spend time in hospital departments, learning from experienced staff, developing practical skills, and gaining confidence in a real healthcare environment.

This initiative aims to address local workforce gaps, build sustainable talent pipelines, and create clear pathways into NHS careers.

By working closely with Barnet and Southgate College, NCL CA is supporting students to gain valuable insights into NHS cancer services, develop professional skills, and grow their confidence.

Caroline McGirr, Senior Project Manager for T Levels at The Royal Free Hospital, said: "We are thrilled to be working so closely with Barnet and Southgate College to support the implementation of T Level placements across NHS cancer teams in NCL. We’re very happy to welcome students to the Royal Free, giving them an incredible opportunity to experience cancer services first-hand. This initiative supports our wider workforce strategy by helping to develop the next generation of NHS staff and ensuring a skilled, future-ready workforce for North Central London and beyond."

Neil Coker, Principal of Barnet and Southgate College, said:

“This is an excellent initiative and our students will benefit hugely from this partnership project which is one element of our extended and growing strategic relationship with the Royal Free Hospital and NHS.”

Ali Malik, Managing Director, NCL Cancer Alliance, added:
"We’re proud to be leading the way in embedding T Levels into our cancer workforce strategy. This initiative gives school leavers invaluable exposure to cancer services and helps inspire the next generation to consider rewarding careers in cancer care."

T Levels are a vocational alternative to A Levels, blending classroom learning with structured workplace placements.

David Zegar, T Level student at Barnet and Southgate College, 18, said:

“I chose the T Level in Laboratory Science at Barnet Southgate College because I’ve always been curious about how medicine works and how science can improve people’s lives. I’m especially interested in pharmacology, and this course has helped me build a strong foundation to pursue that path.

“I’m excited to gain real experience in a medical environment, learn from professionals, and see how lab work supports patient care. It feels like the next big step toward the career I’ve been working toward.”

Selina Ramadan, T Level student at Barnet and Southgate College, 18, said:

“I chose to study T Level Science because I like the fact that the course is split 50% practical and 50% theory. As a student who prefers hands-on work, this gives me the chance to demonstrate my skills.“Now, the course has given us the opportunity to begin our upcoming placement in an oncology ward, where we will be supporting and shadowing staff. I am really looking forward to this experience shadowing and supporting staff, as it will give me the chance to see how science directly impacts patient care and treatment. It will also allow me to gain valuable insight into the realities of working in a clinical setting.”

The launch of these initial placements is the first step in a scalable model designed to expand T Level opportunities across NHS services. This approach supports the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and contributes to building a more diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce for North Central London.