Diplomas are new qualifications for 14 – 19 year olds that combine theoretical study, practical and applied learning and employer involvement. They are being developed as an alternative to the traditional GCSE and A level route with the intention that, for some, they will offer a more relevant and practical route to higher education and employment.

40,000 diploma places will be available in 1,300 schools from September 2008 in five initial subject areas – construction, IT, creative and media, engineering, society, health and development (there are currently plans for a total of 17 different diplomas). UCAS and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority have confirmed that top marks in the new Advanced Diplomas will be equivalent to 3.5 A-levels (420 UCAS tariff points) and, Higher Diplomas are to be equivalent to 7 GCSEs (A*-C).

Whilst no independent schools are currently signed up to provide the diploma there are a number of independent schools in tentative talks. The Government wants independent schools to participate in the programme in order to ensure that the diploma becomes a nationally recognised qualification, in the same way that A-Levels and GCSEs currently are. This will allow the Government to show universities and industry (both of whom are key to the future of the diploma) that it is a qualification being taken seriously by leading schools (whether they be independent or state).

Click here for more information on the diplomas.