"A poor man's A-level"

Ed Balls, now supported by the supposedly independent Ofqual, the examination regulator, is hell-bent on starting his new grand diploma era. Ofqual is undertaking to watch the development and observe if it meets the imposed criteria, - a little hard on the guinea pigs who have given two years of study

We give him the benefit of doubt, and assume that this has nothing to do with a possible upcoming election for leadership of the Labour Party, but it does seem a real haste to impose a great deal of work on schools and other bodies with only one year to go before a general election, when the new qualification could die a death. Probably he feels so strongly against 'A' levels that he wishes to damage them seriously before he leaves.

The Daily Telegraph disclosed in April that a letter had been sent to Balls, and signed by every examination board in the country, urging him to delay implementation and allow longer for possible revision to make sure of university recognition. Balls ignored their warning.

One Board, OCR, based on Cambridge University, is seriously considering withdrawing from the qualification. They are concerned that "pupils will ultimately be offered nothing more than a poor man's 'A' level or GCSE" as things stand in the present structure of diploma. Edexcel and AQA, the other two major boards in England are declining to comment.

Michael Gove, shadow secretary, feels no restraint. "No serious figure in the education world believes these qualifications should replace A-levels. They are a vanity project driven entirely by Ed Balls's desire to undermine the existing gold standard."