Are there different levels of Diplomas?

Yes, there are 3 levels being introduced that your son/daughter could choose from:

• - Foundation - equivalent to 5 GCSEs at Grade D-G -
• - Higher - equivalent to 7 GCSEs at Grade A*-C -
• - Advanced - equivalent to 3.5 'A' Levels -

How long does a Diploma last for?

It will take 2 years to complete a diploma. Young people could spend up to two days per week of their timetable on this.

• - For the main part of their diploma (the Principal Learning) diploma students might need to travel to another school or college where expert tuition and facilities are available. This is usually the same venue throughout the course on the same day of the week -
• - At Advanced Level, the diploma is a full time course and includes A Levels -

Why are the Diplomas different?

Diplomas are different because:

• - they will allow young people to develop skills that relate to a number of industries but will also allow them to leave their career options open -
• - they will give young people an insight into work and provide skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further or higher education or employment -
• - they will offer young people an option to the traditional qualifications -
• - they will offer employment readiness and essential skills for work, whichever industry they choose to go into -