Education and Skills
Diplomas are brand new multi purpose qualifications for 14-19 year olds. They are a central part of changes to Secondary Education which are designed to encourage more young people to gain the qualifications they need to progress into Further and Higher Education or Employment. They have been designed in collaboration with Employers through Sector Skills Councils.
The Diplomas, initially available in 5 broad business/industry sectors, will prepare young people for Further and Higher Education and the world of work, in an innovative and exciting way.
Because of their unique design, Diplomas are suitable for students of all abilities and are offered at different levels. Students will be able to choose which level Diploma suits them best:
- Foundation: equivalent to 5 GCSEs at Grade A*-G
- Higher: equivalent to 7 GCSEs at Grade A*-C
- Progression: equivalent to 2 A Levels
- Advanced: equivalent to 3.5 A Levels
Diplomas aim to complement the existing system, providing students with the opportunity to switch between different types of qualifications: some may choose to take a Diploma from 14 to 16, then do A Levels or potentially an International Baccalaureate, or they might do GCSEs, then start a Diploma at 16. GCSE and Diploma courses will be integrated, with functional skills in English, Maths and IT forming a core part of the Diploma.