Diploma uptake less than expected

New figures have shown that only a quarter of the government's initial estimated figure are studying new Diplomas.

Ministers had originally predicted take-up of the new qualification to reach 50,000 as they began this year. although as recently as July this year, they lowered their expectations, predicting that around 20,000 students would begin a Diploma course in September. However, the actual figure was just 12,000.

Schools secretary Ed Balls defended the new qualification, claiming the Diplomas are being implemented in an "exciting but sensible way", adding that major universities have provided their backing for the flagship education reforms.

In a parliamentary statement, Balls said "positive feedback" had been received from young people regarding Diplomas, as the government looks to provide students with the option of an academic/vocational qualification to prepare them for the workplace.

And in a bid to boost the profile of the courses, Balls announced that fee-paying Wellington College would offer the engineering Diploma, while members of university groups the Russell Group and 1994 Group have expressed they would consider Diploma-studying applicants.

This view was disputed by Liberal Democrat schools spokesman David Laws though, who said: "The take-up of the new diploma has been a complete flop."

Meanwhile shadow schools secretary Michael Gove said: "We want the Diplomas to succeed as a high quality alternative to the academic route, so it is disappointing the numbers taking up the new qualifications are so far below ministers' estimates."

However, schools minister Jim Knight insisted that: "We are making good progress, as last month's positive Ofsted report confirmed."