What is a Diploma?

"It's a new qualification that you can do at school or college. There are up to 10 subjects to choose from in September 2009 in different areas of the country. By 2011, there will be 17 subjects in total."

It's different to GCSEs and A levels because:

You'll get practical experience
You learn in the classroom
You'll find out about an area of work you're interested in
You keep all your options open with the Diploma. So when you finish, you can stay at school or college and do another course - like the next level up Diploma, A levels or an NVQ. Or, go on to university, do an Apprenticeship or go into a job with training.

Above information from http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/