In brief

Gateway to specialised diplomas

Members will be aware, specialised diplomas will be available for teaching from 2008 in the first five areas of learning, with others being introduced in 2009 and 2010.

Local authorities and LSCs have been asked to draw up local plans for diploma delivery and schools and colleges should already have been consulted and involved in this planning.

Schools and colleges that are interested in offering the diplomas in 2008 will need to pass through a 'gateway' which will assess their readiness to deliver. They will also be expected to be part of a collaborative partnership and to pilot the functional skills tests.

Members who are interested in the diplomas are encouraged to read the DfES Specialised Diploma Gateway document which can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19 under 'curriculum and qualifications' and then 'specialised diplomas'. The website also has copies of the 14-19 newsletters.

Queen's birthday list

Congratulations go out to the ASCL members who were honoured in the Queen's Birthday list in June.

Receiving a CBE were:

• Tony Hartney, Head of Gladesmore Community School, Haringey

• Lynne Morris, Principal of Joseph Chamberlain College, Birmingham

OBEs were bestowed on:

• Thomas Moore, Head of St Mary's RC High School, Chesterfield

• Douglas Selkirk, Head of Heath Park Business and Enterprise College, Wolverhampton

• Jeremy Waxman, Head of Halifax High at Wellesley Park, Calderdale

Aimhigher

Aimhigher - the national campaign to encourage more young people into higher education - has a variety of resource materials on offer for free to those working in education. There are resources for teachers, tutors, students and others. For a list of the publications available, or a poster listing all the resources, call 0800 587 8500.