Fears few will take up new diplomas

Ministers will publish figures showing how many pupils will start the first five diplomas - which combine theory with work experience - when a national pilot begins in September. But supporters of the scheme said they believed the number would be significantly lower than the 40,000 teenagers the Government had originally hoped for.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls has said he believes diplomas could replace A-levels and GCSEs as "the qualification of choice" for 14 to 19-year-olds in England.

He has promised to review secondary school qualifications in 2013, leaving diplomas to compete for pupils with the traditional exams.

But Andy Powell, chief executive of practical learning charity Edge, said fewer teenagers than expected were taking up the diplomas.

"That fewer students than expected have signed up to diplomas should not be seen as the failure of the qualification," he said.

"Diplomas are a valuable opportunity to transform the educational landscape for the better."

John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the numbers of pupils would be "of secondary importance" if the courses were high quality.

Teenagers will have to travel for different classes between colleges, schools and employers who will give them work experience as part of the diplomas.

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said the Government wanted to keep numbers limited to maximise the chances that diplomas would be successful.