Participation in the 14-19 diplomas has reached a “crucial tipping point”, ministers said this week, announcing Pounds 50 million to prepare teachers and the local infrastructure. The Government says 40,000 students will have registered to study for the new qualifications this year. By September 2010, they should be offered by more than 97 per cent of local authorities
“More than three times the number of students will be starting in September than did so last year,” said Jim Knight, the schools minister.