04 July 2008
The 20 most rural local authorities in England have received £20m to ensure young people can study for the 17 new diplomas, five of which will be rolled out this September.
The funding follows recognition that more work needs to be done to ensure that local authorities and education and training providers can meet the demand for the diplomas.
An additional £3m is being given to fund transport co-ordinators in the 40 most rural areas. However, a recent survey showed that there should be no significant transport issues.
Schools minister Jim Knight said the days of spending the entire week learning in the classroom were over. 'The diplomas' unique mix of theory and practice, provided in schools and colleges, is an essential investment in our children's future,' he said on June 30.
'Recent research on rural transport issues vindicates our “no big bang”, gradual approach to introducing the diploma.'
Knight added that the transport co-ordinators would ensure transport between places of learning was joined up and efficient.
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