Researchers looked at take up of the diplomas last year and found many pupils did not enrol as they had not been given enough information about the courses.
Teachers also felt ill-informed about them, which restricted the advice they could give to pupils. One pupil told the research team that "I didn't even know what a diploma was until a week ago".
It was found that in some areas advice sessions for Year 9 pupils were "too busy" to collect information about the courses. This was not the case in all areas. Some offered taster sessions and handed out diploma specific leaflets. But for others they were just mentioned in general presentations.
The report also warns against schools going too far and excessively promoting diplomas. In some areas pupils said they had been bombarded with information and felt they were being "sold" the diploma.
Also being recommended is improved training for staff in advising pupils about the diplomas. The training courses was found to be "too generic" by members of staff. Some teachers also reported that they felt "a sense of isolation" in terms of support surrounding the diplomas.
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