30 January 2009
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.
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.'
PFjan2009
