The Diploma

The development of the 14-19 Diplomas has been taking place since 2005. There are now 17 Diplomas being developed for pilots and trials.

By September 2013 all 14-19 students are entitled to have access to any of the 17 Diplomas. Teaching of the Diplomas will be staggered over the coming years:

Each Diploma is available at three levels:
Level 1 Diploma - Foundation:

• Will occupy 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLHs), equivalent in length of study to 4-5 GCSEs. This can be completed in one year or completed in two years alongside the Key Stage 4 National Curriculum.
• Will require Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT at Level 1.

Level 2 Diploma - Higher:

• Will occupy 800 Guided Learning Hours (GLHs), equivalent in length of study to 5-6 GCSEs. This can be completed in two years alongside the core National Curriculum requirements, or in one year in a college or sixth form.
• Will require Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT at Level 2.

Level 3 Diploma - Advanced:

• Will occupy 1,080 Guided Learning Hours (GLHs), equivalent in length of study to 3 GCE A-levels. This can be delivered as a two year full-time programme.
• Will require Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT at Level 2 minimum.

The Foundation Level Diploma will attract points equivalent to 5 GCSEs (A*-G)
The Higher Level Diploma will attract points equivalent to 7 GCSEs (A*-C)
The Advanced Level Diploma will attract points equivalent to 3.5 A Levels (A*-E)
Each Functional Skill will attract points equivalent to 0.5 GCSEs (at level 2 A*-C, at level 1 A*-G)

More...