The 14-19 Diploma is a new qualification with a different style of teaching and learning to other qualifications such as GCSEs and A Levels. 14-19 Diplomas were designed with the involvement of employers and every 14-19 Diploma is linked to a broad sector of work. The 14-19 Diploma aims to give you the knowledge and skills needed for that sector of work, but can open up other options too. It is recognised by employers and universities alike.

There is no typical 14-19 Diploma student as the qualification can benefit all types of learner. Some students want to learn more about an area of work such as Engineering or Hair and Beauty, others want to balance out general subjects such as GCSEs and A Levels with something different. Like any other decisions about your future you need to weigh up the arguments for and against. Have a look at the main 14-19 Diploma website in the links tab for more details and speak to your Teachers and Connexions Advisers about whether the 14-19 Diploma will suit you.

Every 14-19 Diploma is made up of five parts whatever subject you choose. Aswell as doing work experience you will study 1) your main subject, 2) English, Maths and ICT, 3) Work skills such as teamwork, creative thinking and problem-solving, 4) optional courses that you choose to go with your Diploma and 5) a project which gives you the chance to put what you have learnt into practice.

With a Higher 14-19 Diploma you could decide to go on to the Advanced level (level 3) in the same subject, or you may decide to follow a different learning route. An Advanced Diploma could take you into Higher Education or perhaps an Advanced Apprenticeship. By teaching you both general and specific skills, as well as improving your knowledge of one sector of work, 14-19 Diplomas can prepare you for a number of different career directions.

By September 2010 there should be fourteen 14-19 Diplomas available throughout the country. Check the Diploma website for the subject names. However, these will not be available in every area of the country or at every level so you must research this qualification carefully. It may be that the choice available in your area is very limited and you might need to consider other qualifications. You can use the Northumberland and North East Providers tabs to see what Diplomas are available in your area, but always check with the learning provider concerned if they are still running the course.

There are three Diploma levels. 1. The Foundation Diploma is a level 1 qualification, the same as GCSEs grades D to G. It is broadly equivalent to five GCSEs. 2. The Higher Diploma is a level 2 qualification, the same as GCSEs grades A* to C. It is broadly equivalent to seven GCSEs. 3. The Advanced Diploma, aimed at those over 16 is a level 3 qualification. It is broadly equivalent to 3.5 A levels.

You can choose to study a Foundation or Higher Diploma alongside your GCSEs in Years 10 and 11. Which one you study depends on which level suits you best. If you are going into Year 12 or continuing in Further Education, for example at a college, you have the additional choice of the Advanced Diploma. You can take this if you have achieved the required grades at the end of Year 11.

Studying a Diploma normally takes about 50% of your timetable at Level 2 (Higher Diploma), but this may vary according to where you go to school or college. Depending on what subject you are taking this could mean studying the whole Diploma at your school or up to one day per week at a neighbouring school or college. Again this may vary by local area. Advanced Diplomas taken post-16 (after Year 11) will have a different timetable as in the level 3 qualification there will be more to learn. On any 14-19 Diploma you should be able to spend at least 10 days with an employer throughout each year, sometimes maybe more.