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Diplomas 'experience teething problems'

Posted on 27th October 2009

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Further education providers remain supportive of Diplomas despite encountering some hiccups during their first year of administration, it has been revealed.

Research carried out by the Association of Colleges (AoC) found that 83 per cent of staff teaching Diplomas are positive about them and feel their students enjoy the courses, although they highlighted challenges around the complexities of delivery, funding and the ability of the qualification to meet young people's requirements.

Chief executive of the AoC Martin Doel commented: "It is clear that the Diploma still has some way to go before becoming the qualification of choice for all learners.

"Until it does, the ministerial commitment to retaining the existing vocational qualifications must be observed."

He added that 95 per cent of general further education Colleges now teach Diplomas, so support for them remains robust across the sector.

Last week, the Sutton Trust claimed that more of an educational post code lottery exists in the UK than other developed countries.