Specialised Diplomas Mr. McGovern To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to encourage the taking of courses leading to specialised diplomas in schools, higher education institutions and colleges; and what steps he is taking to improve the acceptability of such qualifications to employers. Alan Johnson Schools, colleges, higher education institutions and employers, have all been involved in the design of Diplomas, through the Diploma Development Partnerships, and will continue to be critical to the success of the roll-out. My Department has a comprehensive programme of communications about Diplomas, targeting employers, schools and colleges, training providers, Higher Education institutions as well as young people and parents. In November we announced the appointment of Diploma Champions to promote this development in the sectors where they have expertise; industry, schools and Higher Education.