The 14-19 Diploma: partnering and piloting the agenda within Higher Education to enhance and inspire future learners

A series of government initiatives from 1997 aimed at reforming the education system resulted in the Tomlinson Report (2004) which proposed a new framework for 14-19 education resulting in the proposal of a new qualification- the 14-19 Diploma.  The first five lines of this structure were introduced into schools in 2009.  By 2013 all young people will be entitled to choose to follow this course of study. The Diploma is designed to offer a mix of vocational and educational opportunities for learning which reflects the 21st century world. Tomlinson (2007) states that 'Diplomas offer students theoretical and practical learning with clear progression to HE and employment.