Maisie achieves highest Fashion T Level score in the UK
Fashion student, Maisie Wiles is celebrating an outstanding achievement after receiving the highest score in the UK for her T Level Occupational Specialism.
Maisie completed her Fashion and Textiles T Level this summer, achieving an impressive 238 marks out of a possible 258 in her Occupational Specialism.
The Fashion T Level launched in September 2024, with Maisie among the first cohort of students to complete the two-year qualification this summer.
Reflecting on receiving the result, Maisie said: “It was a surreal moment, but I was proud of where my commitment and achievements within the course got me.
“I knew the amount of talented students in my class, never mind the whole of the UK, so to come out with the best grade made me realise that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for.”
Maisie credits her approach to both the creative and commercial aspects of fashion with helping her achieve such a strong result. Throughout her studies, she developed an understanding of the business and strategic elements of the industry alongside her creative and technical skills.
She added: “I don’t think it was one particular part of the course that I was specifically proud of. It was the overall experiences and projects throughout. I felt that through every assignment I would improve more, never giving up and putting in all my effort, which led me to this final accomplishment.”
Maisie chose Barnsley College after exploring a number of options, with the standard of the Fashion T Level, industry-standard equipment and expertise of her tutors helping her make her decision.
During the course, she developed skills in garment production, pattern cutting, design and marketing, as well as exploring the history of fashion. She also gained first-hand industry experience through her work placement at The Dearne Playhouse, where she supported costume design and production for upcoming shows and learnt more about selecting and working with different fabrics and materials.
Since completing her T Level, Maisie has begun exploring the possibility of starting her own clothing business alongside fellow former Barnsley College students, Sophia and Lotte. The group has started developing designs for an initial collection and researching sustainable suppliers.
Maisie believes her T Level has given her both the practical skills and business knowledge she needs to take those first steps.
She said: “My Fashion T Level informed me all about running a business, not only just the creative aspects. This gave me insight into the realities of owning or working for a business and what is needed.
“Achieving such a high grade has also given me the confidence to take the next steps and come out of my comfort zone. It has opened my eyes and made me realise that I can do this.”
Looking further ahead, Maisie hopes to create a successful and innovative fashion line with sustainability at its heart, including upcycling fabrics to produce unique pieces made in-house.
Amy Basry, Fashion and Textile Teacher, saidadded: “Maisie was an exemplary student who worked extremely hard and showed dedication and commitment to her studies throughout both her first and second year of the T Level programme. She consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and always gave her very best to her studies and assignments.
“Maisie was focused, hardworking and determined to achieve, and it was a pleasure to see her develop and progress throughout her time with us. We are confident that Maisie has a very bright future ahead of her and will succeed in whatever she chooses to apply herself to.”
Summing up her time at College, Maisie said: “My experience at Barnsley College inspired me to continue my creativity into the fashion industry. I learned so much from my tutors, Kay and Amy, that I will continue to carry with me on my next journeys.
“It was an amazing course that I would recommend to anyone interested in fashion or creative arts.”
