Why changes to 14 to 19 education are needed
The global economy is changing.  If Britain is to compete in world markets our young people need to be equipped with the skills industry needs.

Some young people haven't been achieving their full potential, and leave education without the basic skills needed to enter work.

The latest research shows that around half of all students who take their GCSEs get fewer than five at grade C or above.

In February 2005, the government described in the 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper how it wanted to change the education system to address this problem.  In December 2005, the 14-19 implementation plan set out exactly how these reforms will be put into practice over the next ten years.

Diplomas
A new range of qualifications called Diplomas are being introduced for Secondary pupils which “could become the qualification of choice for young people” Ed Balls Secretary of State (Department for Children, Schools and Families).

Pilots for these new Diplomas will start in September 2008 and in Hackney we are offering Diplomas in Society Health and Development; Creative and Media; and Construction and the Built Environment, in selected schools.

Diplomas can be studied at three levels Foundation (equivalent to 5 GCSEs grades D-G), Higher (equivalent to 6 GCSEs grades A-C), Advanced (equivalent to 3.5 A levels).  Each Diploma consists of Principal and Additional and/or Specialist learning.  All students will be required to complete the Principal study modules.  These include English, Maths and ICT which must be passed to achieve the Diploma.  Students can then personalise their Diploma by adding additional qualifications such as a GCSE or BTEC. 

Further Diplomas will gradually be introduced in Engineering, Information Technology, Society, Health and Development, Business, Administration and Finance, Environmental and Land-based Studies, Hair and Beauty, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Product Design, Public Services, Retail, Sport and Leisure, Travel and Tourism, Science, Languages, Humanities.

The aim of these new qualifications is to equip young people with the skills they need for today’s economy and to allow them to personalise their learning to suit their particular skills.  Employers have had a key role in the creation of the Diplomas which ensures they develop skills which are relevant to today’s employers.  Universities and educational professionals have worked together to create a good mix of interesting and stimulating academic and vocational study modules to help develop the key skills of independent learning and thinking skills required for the Diplomas.

Young people will be given details of the Diplomas available to them in Yr 9 option events and Yr 11 school leavers’ events.

Changes to GCSEs and A levels
Changes at Key Stages 3 (ages 11 to 14) and 4 (ages 14 to 16) are creating greater flexibility in the curriculum to help pupils reach their maximum potential.

In 2013 the government will review all 14-19 qualifications.  If the new Diplomas are a success these may replace all or some existing qualifications.