Association of Colleges & Edexcel back diplomas to be delivered in September
88% of colleges ready for new Diploma qualification – AoC
The Association of Colleges today stressed that colleges across the country will be ready for the introduction of the new diplomas in September.
In response to strong criticism and concerns raised over the new qualification, the AoC has revealed that 88% of the 1,300 selected schools and colleges in England, are now ready to deliver diplomas.
Director of Learning and Quality, Association of Colleges, Maggie Scott explained, ‘The diploma is a huge step forward in Government thinking. It will offer thousands of young people an alternative to GCSEs and A levels which has been endorsed by employers and universities.
She continued, ‘Of course such an ambitious and complex programme will have its challenges and AoC is working with Government and others to address these. What is clear is that colleges have the expertise and are ready and able to deliver this high-class qualification which will blend practical and theoretical learning.
The first 5 diplomas; Creative and Media, Construction and the Built Environment, Engineering, Information Technology and Society, Health and Development will be taught later this year, with 40,000 places across the country available to 14-19 year olds.
Jerry Jarvis, Edexcel’s Managing Director said, “In view of the continued reporting on Edexcel and the Diploma, we must reiterate that we stand firmly in support of the Diploma and are committed to its success. It is a qualification developed in partnership with employers and its success is crucial to education.
"We did not describe the Diploma as being ‘in disarray’ as reported. Edexcel leads the implementation of the Diploma and we will continue to work through the complexity with all stakeholders to ensure that it is successful."
Jason Seebaruth
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