The Tories seem to have decided on a major reform of the new diplomas, which combine work-based training and academic study. The first five of these course were offered to sixth formers from 2008, and a further five were introduced this month. The 2008 intake numbered only 10,000 students.
These diplomas were judged, by whom is not clear, to be equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
The Tories have promised that if elected in 2010 they will cancel the three academic diplomas, - in science, languages and humanities, due to start in 2011. This is an indication that they regard the diplomas as an inadequate entrance qualification and preparation for university.
Reforms also include:
- taking the examinations out of the hands of government, and leave it to the Exam Boards to decide which, if any, they wished to offer.
- the diplomas would be pared down and continue to contain only elements which employers value.
- universities have indicated that they would require at least one A level in addition to the diploma for university entrance.
The general conclusion of many people outside the government party seems to be that although the diplomas may be a useful addition when the school leaving age is raised t0 18, - for those who do not aspire to higher education, as they stand they are a poor indicator of a student's potential to cope with higher education.
About 600 students attempted to pass a diploma course in just the one year. Awards were made in August. Of these 178 were awarded a grade, while 34 were awarded a 'U'. The remaining 388 were not graded, indicating that they had failed to pass at least one part of the course. There is a strong suggestion that the parts found difficult were English and Mathematics.
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