What's available

The majority of students in Years 10 and 11 study for GCSEs. Most schools offer a range of subjects from which to choose, there may even be some new subjects at this stage.

• GCSEs normally take two years to complete.
• Double award GCSEs include a broader range of topics and are worth the equivalent of two full GCSEs. They usually take up more time on the timetable.
• Certain GCSEs, like citizenship studies, are available as 'short courses', which are worth half a GCSE. They usually take up less time on the timetable.

If your teenager is likely to find GCSEs difficult, there are courses at Entry Level leading to a Certificate of Achievement. They are assessed through tests, coursework and a portfolio of evidence that show what has been achieved. They can lead on to GCSEs or other courses at Levels 1 and 2. Check to see what your teenager's school is offering.

• Students can do a Diploma alongside or instead of GCSEs, and they continue to study English, mathematics and ICT.
• This is a new qualification based around a different style of teaching and learning.
• There are ten Diplomas available now with more coming soon.
• The Diploma combines classroom learning with practical hands-on experience, including the chance to spend at least ten days working with an employer.
• It has compulsory and optional elements. The compulsory elements cover the main things that your teenager needs to know. The optional elements can be specialist courses that give your teenager greater understanding of their chosen subject area, or something completely different that will broaden their studies.
• Assessment includes written examinations and coursework.
• All Diploma students complete a project to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have gained.

There are 3 levels of Diploma:

• The Foundation Diploma is a Level 1 qualification. It is broadly equivalent to 5 GCSEs.
• The Higher Diploma is a Level 2 qualification. It is broadly equivalent to 7 GCSEs.
• The Advanced Diploma, for those over 16, is a Level 3 qualification. It takes broadly the same amount of time to do as 3.5 A Levels.

An alternative to this is a Progression Diploma (also Level 3) which takes about the same amount of time to do as 2.5 A levels. This will suit students who do not wish to complete a whole Advanced Diploma.

Diplomas available in September 2009:

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Environmental and Land-based Studies
• Hair and Beauty Studies
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing and Product Design
• Society, Health and Development

The Diploma is a new qualification so it's not yet available everywhere. Check what is on offer in your area by looking at your online 14-19 Area Prospectus. Information on how to access this can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/14-19prospectus .

To find out more about Diplomas visit www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas .

Your teenager's school may have links with a local college to provide work-related courses in some areas. This option usually involves your teenager learning away from school for part of each week. These courses are available from a range of awarding bodies, and include for example NVQs at Levels 1 and 2 and City & Guilds at Levels 1 and 2. Assessment is usually based on practical tasks that can demonstrate skills and knowledge.

The Young Apprenticeship (YA) programme is being offered by a growing number of schools so that pupils can study for specific work-related qualifications. On this type of programme, students are likely to spend three days in school, studying the core subjects, and the remaining two days outside the classroom either at a local college or training provider or at a work placement with a suitable employer.

On completion of the YA programme, students may be able to move straight to a full-time Apprenticeship in their chosen area or stay on for further qualifications in full-time education, either at school or college. Check with your teenager's school to see whether Young Apprenticeships are available.