Government defends low diploma take-up

The UK government has defended its further education policy after it emerged that only a small number of students had signed up for a new qualification.

Figures obtained by the Conservative party show that only around 12,000 students have filled in application forms for diplomas at schools and colleges starting this September.

Initial government estimates predicted that 50,000 students would study the diplomas, however the figure was revised down to 38,000 in July.

Shadow Schools Secretary Michael Gove insisted he wanted to see vocational diplomas to success as a high quality alternative to academic education.

He told The Guardian: 'Tony Blair said diplomas should be separate from A-levels and he would keep the A-level gold standard, but Ed Balls [the schools secretary] says diplomas could replace A-levels.

'No wonder teachers and parents don't know where they stand.'

The diploma differs from GCSEs and A levels in that it incorporates practical work experience. By 2011, the government expects there to be 17 different subjects on offer.