The new diploma qualifications have been dogged by controversy since they were first proposed by former chief schools inspector Sir Mike Tomlinson in his review of 14 to 19 education in 2004.
Everyone from the Conservatives to teaching union the NUT have voiced concerns about diplomas, ranging from the implementation of the programme to whether the qualifications will carry any weight with employers.
Despite opposition, the first five diplomas became available in September 2008 and, by 2011, students will be able to choose from 17 diploma courses. The foundation diploma is equivalent to five GCSEs grades D to G, the higher diploma is worth seven GCSEs A* to C and the advanced diploma equates to three-and-a-half A-levels.
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