Teacher 'anger at diploma plans'

The single school diploma received wide industry support

Teachers' leaders are expected to attack the government for its rejection of a proposed school diploma to replace GCSEs and A-levels.

The National Union of Teachers wants further consideration of a diploma made up of academic and vocational study.

The NUT, holding its annual conference in Gateshead, believes the government's alternative will lead to separate vocational and academic routes.

Union members will vote on a motion condemning the government's plans.

The motion says the government's ideas are an attack on comprehensive education and an attempt to reintroduce selection by academic ability.

BBC education correspondent Kim Catcheside said the diploma proposal had broad support among schools, further and higher education and business interests.

"Many teachers and heads are furious about what they see as the government's unthinking rejection of proposals to replace GCSEs and A-levels with a diploma," she said.

'Relentless focus'

The proposal for a single school diploma was the result of two years' work by Mike Tomlinson, the former chief schools inspector for England.

He had recommended a four-part diploma encompassing academic subjects, vocational training and key skills like literacy, numeracy and IT.

Instead, ministers are to offer three-level vocational diplomas in 14 work-related areas like healthcare and engineering, while GCSEs and A-levels remain separate.

Education Secretary Ruth Kelly says the government's plans will provide a "relentless focus on the basics" so all young people leave school "competent in the three Rs".

But NUT leaders say the general diploma, catering for children of all abilities, should be put back on the political agenda.