Industry News
Diplomas score highly with Ucas
Posted on 19th December 2007
The university admissions service has announced that advanced diplomas will be worth more than three A-levels in points.
Some English schools will begin to offer the courses next year, which combine vocational studies with the more traditional academic.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) chief executive Anthony McClaran said the decision means the new exam is definitely a route into higher education.
"Decisions on individual applicants remain, as always, a matter for the higher education institutions themselves and it is encouraging that many are beginning to signal an acceptance in principle of the diplomas," he continued.
Mr McClaren added that the points awarded to all qualifications are regularly and rigorously assessed.
Earlier this month, Schools minister Jim Knight called upon private schools to support the diploma, claiming they offer pupils a greater choice of subject and help children ready themselves for high education and the workplace.
Independent schools should consider becoming involved with the consortia delivering the examinations, he urged.
© Adfero Ltd