National Diplomas are an excellent stepping stone to University. Equivalent to 3 A Levels, National Diplomas are nationally respected and accredited specialist vocational qualifications. These highly valued qualifications offer more opportunities to experience realistic working environments, as well as enhancing personal development.
Students studying on National Diplomas are often better equipped to cope with independent study, and show more focus.
Summer 2008 was a great year for University progression by student’s studying National Diplomas at Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College. Public Services, Travel and Tourism, Early Years, IT and Sports had many students progressing to various universities around the country. Health and Social Care in particular saw a massive 90% of National Extended Diploma Students gaining university places to study adult and children’s nursing, social work, radiology, youth work, business, primary education and mental health.
Research has shown that students who go to University after completing a vocational course tend to achieve better degree scores than those who have completed A-Levels.