“Edexcel wants to emphasise that it remains very supportive of and totally committed to the Diploma. We are determined to make it work.

"There is a large amount of change planned for the next two years, including the introduction of new GCSEs, A levels, functional skills and the Unique Learner Number. We are committed to working with our colleagues in schools, particularly those in administration and curriculum development teams, to ensure these changes are successfully implemented.

"We will continue to work with the Department for Children, Schools & Families (DCSF) and our partners to ensure that the Diploma is the success Edexcel can make it."

(Jerry Jarvis, Edexcel's Managing Director)