To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) on what sites (a) posters and (b) other promotional material for the 14-19 diploma have been placed; (267521)

[holding answer 27 March 2009]: The aim of the ongoing diploma information campaign is to increase awareness and understanding of the diploma to enable young people and their parents to make informed choices about whether the qualification is the right option for them.

The information campaign has included posters placed on buses, bus shelters, telephone kiosks and roadside sites to raise awareness of the new qualification.

The campaign has also involved: radio and press advertising; events; and information materials, including leaflets and DVDs which are available on the internet and for schools to order.

The diploma information campaign was commissioned in August 2007 and, to date, the Department has spent £6,712,189.38 on advertising.

There were two main phases of advertising activity in 2007/2008 between 29 October and 25 November and 21 January and 17 February.

There were three main phases of advertising activity in 2008/2009 between 22 September and 19 October, 5 January and 1 February and 9 March and 5 April. The type of advertising is broken down in the following table.