The diploma design process does not contain serious flaws (FE Focus, July 6). Teachers and awarding bodies, as well as employers, have been fully involved in developing these new qualifications right from the beginning, as you would expect.

Diplomas are education programmes for young people. They are new qualifications that will sit alongside GCSEs, A-levels and occupationally specific programmes. It was always the intention that diplomas would contain high quality vocational education. It was never the intention that they would deliver vocational training.

Diplomas will give young people an excellent insight into work and provide the skills, knowledge and understanding needed for further or higher education and employment.

Teresa Bergin

Head of Sector Qualifications Reform

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority