Young people aged between 14-19 in Islington will be amongst the first in the country to be able to study new, work-relevant diplomas at school and college from September 2008. <br><br>The two new Diplomas in Creative and Media, and Society, Health and Development will be available to 200 young people from across the ability range in Islington. Studying for a diploma will allow students to progress to further study, university or work. Students will be able to choose the diploma alongside GCSEs or A-levels, or in place of them. <br><br>Young people will have a wider choice to study what they want, where they want, and will be better prepared for further study or work. Diplomas are unique in their combination of essential skills and knowledge, hands-on experience and working with employers. <br><br>Cllr James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council, said: "Because the council has been listening to young people about what they want to study at school, we have been pushing to put Islington at the forefront of this important new qualification framework. We've just learnt that young people aged 14-19 in Islington will be among the first in the country to be able to study the new, work-relevant diplomas. I am delighted that the hard work of schools the college and others has been recognised by the Government. We have already dramatically reduced the numbers of teenagers dropping out of school and this new initiative is an important next step in offering young people the sort of work skills that will set them up for life. This is a very important development for the whole country and it is excellent to see Islington leading the way."<br><br>The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) gave the Islington Council-led 14-19 Partnership, which includes schools, City and Islington College, employers and other organisations, the go-ahead to teach the new diplomas from September 2008.<br><br>Ends<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009