National evaluation of diplomas: preparation for 2008 delivery

The introduction of diplomas for 14-19 year olds, at three levels and across 14 or more 'lines' of learning, represents a major innovation in educational opportunity for young people in England. The diploma consists of: (1) 'generic learning' (functional skills in English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT), a project, and development of personal, learning and thinking skills); (2) 'principal learning' (sector-related knowledge and underpinning skills needed to progress in relevant sectors); and (3) 'additional/specialist' learning (a selection of options can be chosen from a range of qualifications). Diplomas also include learning in the workplace (a minimum of ten days' work experience) and learning through realistic work environments to enable the development of practical skills and work-related application of learning. In January 2008, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and the University of Exeter to conduct the national evaluation of the implementation and impact of diplomas over the period 2008-2013. The purpose of the evaluation is to provide policy makers and practitioners with systematic and robust evidence which will enable them to make informed judgements about the outcomes of the diplomas for different stakeholders and to make improvements to design and delivery, if appropriate. The evaluation has two main aims: (1) to review the implementation and delivery of the diplomas; and (2) to assess the impact of the diplomas on young people's participation, attainment and progression. This is the report of the first stage of the evaluation.

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