Patrick Nash (left) and journalist Mike Baker (right) at the 14-19 Diplomas Conference.

Teacher Support Network has called for more tailored 14-19 Diplomas training and preparation time to cater for a rapid increase in student numbers due this September. This week, the Government announced that the number of 14-19 Diplomas students is set to triple in September from under 12,000 to around 40,000.

Speaking at last week’s 14-19 Diplomas conference, Teacher Support Network’s Chief Executive, Patrick Nash, reminded delegates of the charity’s significant survey findings on Diplomas. Our December 2008 survey found that seven out of ten respondents wanted time to meet with consortia members and share best practice. The same proportion said there was a need for tailored training which provided the necessary knowledge and functional skills to deliver the new qualification.

The Schools Minister later unveiled an additional £50 million investment which will be used to meet local set-up costs, such as preparation for teachers, timetable and transport plan adjustments, and general infrastructure changes. Five new Diplomas will become available in September, and a further nine will be introduced in 2011. The Minister said that all Diplomas will be available in every part of the country by 2013.