To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many independent schools he expects to offer the full range of diplomas from (a) September 2008 and (b) September 2009; and if he will make a statement. (189033)

At present no independent schools are part of consortia planning to deliver Diplomas in September 2008. The outcome of applications for September 2009 will be announced in April.

The Government encourage independent schools to deliver Diplomas. We held a 14-19 Diploma conference for independent schools in December 2007 which was well attended and are planning a seminar in April this year for those independent schools which have expressed an interest in greater involvement.