Digital Software and Development

Are you interested in technology and software development? Would you like to gain valuable industry experience as part of your qualification?

If the answers are yes, our T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Software Development gives you the knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience needed for a successful career in the rapidly growing digital sector.

The mandatory Digital Core Component provides a broad understanding of digital technologies, software development and the way technology is used to solve real-world problems. It develops the core knowledge and skills you’ll need when working within the digital industry.

Your occupational specialism develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to achieve ‘threshold competence’ (the point at which you’re ready to enter the industry) as a software developer.

Topics covered include programming, software development, web technologies, digital systems, data and databases, cybersecurity, problem-solving, project management, emerging technologies, and legislation and regulatory requirements. This course includes a compulsory 315-hour (45 day) minimum industry placement.

Are you an employer? See our T Level Information for Employers page.

Apply Now

Exam Board

Pearson Excel

Course Units

Units:
Mandatory Digital Core
Programming
Software Development
Digital Systems
Data and Databases
Cybersecurity
Digital Business and Emerging Technologies
Occupational Specialism
Software Development

Students develop the skills to:
Analyse user and business requirements
Design and develop software solutions
Create websites and applications
Test and evaluate digital products
Apply security and data protection principles

Course Assessment

Assessment is split equally between the Digital
Core Component and the Software Development
Occupational Specialism. Students complete
externally assessed examinations and an Employer
Set Project as part of the Core Component,
alongside practical assessments that demonstrate
their ability to design, develop, test and evaluate
software solutions. Each component contributes
50% of the overall qualification.

Where This Course Could Take You

This qualification can lead to university,
a higher or degree apprenticeship, or
employment within the digital and technology
sector. You could progress to courses such as
Computer Science, Software Engineering,
Cybersecurity or Data Science, take an
apprenticeship in areas such as Software
Development or Digital Technology, or move
into roles including Software Developer,
Web Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data
Technician or IT Support Specialist.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs Grade 4 or above, including Grade 4 in Maths and Grade 4 in English Language.

Course Highlights

T level industry placements provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for skilled employment in their chosen occupation which are less easily attainable by doing a qualification alone. We will be arranging visits from employers in the sector to ensure students are matched with appropriate businesses.

Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

View Courses

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

Parent Portal

Upcoming Events

Open Day

Saturday 17th October 10.00am – 2.00pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2027.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

Open Day - 17 October 2026

Hire Our Spaces

Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

Contact

What Our Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

St Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College Celebrates Outstanding 2026 Level 3 Results

We congratulate all our students who received their 2026 public examination results and are delighted to report another year of outstanding achievement. Students achieved excellent results across A Levels, BTECs, CTECs, UAL qualifications and T Levels, with outcomes improving on last year’s already impressive performance. We also achieved our best-ever maths and English GCSE resit […]

Celebrating Student Success at the 2026 Essential 8 Awards

The College chapel was filled with pride and celebration on the final day before half term, as students and staff came together for the 2026 Essential 8 Awards ceremony. The event recognised outstanding achievements from across all subject areas, celebrating students who have made exceptional progress in developing the College’s Essential 8—a set of transferable […]

Record‑Breaking University Applications at SFX

We’re thrilled to announce that almost 90% of our Year 13 students submitted their university applications ahead of last week’s UCAS deadline – the highest completion rate in our history. Even more impressively: 📈 78% of applications were to Top Third universities 📈 55% were to Russell Group institutions – a 6% increase on 2025 […]

Read All

Digital Software and Development