HC Deb 02 February 2004 vol 417 c658W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has for the retention of Higher National Diplomas; and if he will make a statement. [151499]

Alan Johnson

It is our expectation that in due course the Foundation Degree will replace the Higher National Diploma. Higher National Diplomas have served employers well in the past and while employer loyalty exists in some sectors, the numbers applying for these courses are in decline.

Edexcel, who award the BTEC Higher National Diploma, have announced plans to make BTEC Foundation Degrees available. Colleges and universities currently offering HNDs will make decisions about whether they retain their HND provision, develop their own Foundation Degrees, or move to new BTEC Foundation Degrees. In doing so, they will take account of student and employer demand.