Diplomas – your questions answered

What are Diplomas?
Diplomas are innovative new qualifications for 14 to 19 year olds. They have been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional education and qualifications, and their introduction is likely to be the most important change to the country’s education system since the introduction of GCSEs.

Diplomas have been developed by employers, schools, colleges and universities to help young people realise their potential and gain knowledge and skills in a ‘real world’ environment.

A Diploma is an all-round package which gives students the right knowledge, experience, insight and attitude to prepare them for the next stage in life – whether that’s university, college or work.

When will they be introduced?
Some schools and colleges will begin teaching some Diplomas in 2008, with more being phased in during 2009 and 2010. By 2013, the Diploma programme will be fully implemented and every 14 to 19 year old in the country will be entitled to take a Diploma if they wish.

Who are they for?
Diplomas are equally suitable for the most able pupils preparing for demanding university courses; for young people who find the existing education system doesn’t suit them and for those who want to go straight into work after leaving school. Students will be able to select which level Diploma suits them best:

Level 1: equivalent in size to 4-5 GCSEs at grades D to G
Level 2: equivalent in size to 5-6 GCSEs at grades A* to C
Level 3: equivalent in size to three A levels.

What subjects are taught in a Diploma?
From September 2008, Diplomas will begin to be available in:

1. Construction and the Built Environment
2. Creative and Media
3. Engineering
4. Society, Health and Care
5. IT

From September 2009, another five will begin to be taught:

1. Land-based and environmental studies
2. Manufacturing
3. Hair and Beauty
4. Business Administration and Finance
5. Hospitality and Catering

From September 2010, the final four Diplomas will begin in:

1. Public Services
2. Sport and Leisure
3. Retail
4. Travel and Tourism

All Diplomas will ensure students get an excellent grounding in English, Maths, IT user skills and personal learning and thinking skills. A project will help develop students’ ability for independent work, and every student will have at least 10 days’ work experience.

Can students move from Diplomas to other qualifications?
Yes. Students have great flexibility in the qualifications they can choose – perhaps by taking a level 2 Diploma followed by A-levels, or GCSEs followed by a level 3 Diploma. Some Diplomas may also contain GCSEs and A-levels. Level 3 Diplomas will be accepted by colleges and universities, and level 2 Diplomas will be accepted for students wishing to take an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Will all Diplomas be available at all schools and colleges?
No – but from 2013, arrangements will be in place to ensure that young people can take any Diploma they want – even if it’s not provided at their school. Not all schools and colleges will be able to begin offering the Diplomas from 2008, and it is unlikely that any one school or college will be able to offer all 14 subject areas.

Where can I find out more information?
More information is available at www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19. If you have a specific question, you can email diploma@qca.org.uk or ring the enquiry line on 0870 000 2288.