[ARCHIVED CONTENT] The Diploma - The Department for Education

This section provides information about the Diploma – a qualification for students aged 14 to 19 that combines academic and vocational learning. The Diploma has been developed in conjunction with more than 5000 employers, universities, schools and colleges, and provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to progress to further/higher education and employment. Fourteen Diplomas are available to schools and colleges.

The Diploma is made up of a number of different components, including

sector-related learning
Functional Skills in mathematics, English and ICT
work experience.

Further details about the Diploma qualification, how it is graded, and the different subject areas available, can be found in this section.

What is the Diploma?
An overview of the Diploma programme, including a list of the subject areas it offers and details of the qualification's components.
General article 07 February 2011
The Diploma and higher education
Details of how the Diploma translates with regards to A Levels and entry requirements for undergraduate courses at UK universities. This includes access to tariff values for ASL qualifications.
General article 15 September 2010
Further freedoms for schools and colleges
Schools Minister Nick Gibb celebrates further moves to give schools and colleges more freedom from central government.
Press notice 24 June 2010
Nick Gibb congratulates students on GCSE and Diploma results
Schools Minister Nick Gibb congratulates students on their GCSE and Diploma results and emphasises the Coalition Government’s focus on doing more to narrow the attainment gap.
Press notice 24 August 2010
GCSE and Diploma students congratulated on results
Schools Minister Nick Gibb congratulates students on their GCSE and Diploma results and emphasises the Coalition Government’s commitment to closing the attainment gap.
News 24 August 2010
Diploma subject areas
A list of the subjects taught within the Diploma programme.
General article 12 October 2010
Diploma grading
Information about the different levels at which the Diploma is available and the respective grades that can be awarded for each.
General article 12 October 2010
Lord Hill to the Sixth Form Colleges Forum
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools talks about the impact the Government's educational reforms will have on sixth form colleges.
Speech Lord Hill of Oareford CBE, 25 November 2010
Diploma announcements
Information on the Diploma entitlement, the Diploma gateway, phase 4 Diplomas, extended Diplomas and the closure of the 14-19 Workforce Support Programme.
General article 30 November 2010