Edexcel this morning commented on Ed Balls' announcement about three new Diplomas and the planned review of qualifications in 2013.

Jerry Jarvis, Edexcel's Managing Director said, “Edexcel supports the new Diploma and is the only awarding body with all five Diplomas accredited for teaching in 2008.  We will be looking at the new subjects announced yesterday and will aim to create equally engaging qualifications that inspire learners and support teachers”.

Speaking about the review of 14 - 19 qualifications planned for 2013, Mr Jarvis said, “As the Government has acknowledged, it will be vital for the review to recognise the success and impact of existing qualifications like A Levels, GCSEs and BTECs, and not favour the new Diplomas. The focus must always be on providing a marketplace of qualifications that learners want, employers need, and universities recognise”.

Edexcel will be publishing a Policy Watch commentary on the announcement this week followed by an Edexcel Thinks statement next week.