By Julie Read
Three-quarters of teachers do not consider diplomas to be the best qualifications for students wanting to go to university, according to research commissioned by the Sutton Trust.
Three-quarters of teachers do not consider diplomas to be the best qualifications for students wanting to go to university, according to research commissioned by the Sutton Trust.The educational charity said a qualifications divide could open up between well-off and less well-off students.
According to the survey of 1,300 teachers carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research, just 24% of teachers thought that the 14–19 diplomas were suitable for more academically able students. Only one-fifth considered them suitable for those wanting to go to university.
By contrast, A-levels were seen by the vast majority of teachers as appropriate for able students and for those wanting to enter higher education.
Three-quarters of teachers (74%) perceived the diploma as being for schools in poorer areas, but only 29% thought it was suitable for independent schools.
Eighty-three per cent of teachers thought the qualification was for students wanting to pursue a vocational route.
James Turner, director of policy at the Sutton Trust, said: ‘At a time when diplomas are being heavily promoted to schools and students, it is worrying that the perception among teachers – who should be best informed – is that these are not for bright young people with university ambitions.’
Jim Knight, schools minister, said: ‘Diplomas have the backing of universities, colleges and employers and have been designed with their input to ensure they are high-quality, valued qualifications.
‘The vast majority of higher education providers have now said they accept the Advanced Diploma as a route on to their undergraduate courses.’