1.Ofqual intends to change the regulatory requirements for the 14–19 Diploma. We are consulting on the way in which we intend to do this.

2.The changes we intend to make are limited to the way the component qualifications that make up the Diploma are aggregated and the Diploma award then made. We are not therefore proposing to change any other aspect of our regulatory requirements for this qualification as we do not have other issues or concerns.

3.We have previously stated our view that our regulations for the Diploma need to change to make its delivery manageable without intensive and expensive central support. This additional activity was needed to make sure the qualification was successfully awarded. The Government has confirmed to us its view that the current arrangements should not continue and that delivery arrangements for the Diploma should be brought into line with those for other regulated qualifications. The current regulatory requirements are based on the provision by Government of the Diploma Aggregation Service (DAS). No other regulated qualifications require the provision of a centrally provided service. The Government has therefore confirmed its intention to close DAS from 2013 and that it expects awarding organisations that wish to continue to offer this qualification develop their own approaches to doing so.

4.Given that we currently require awarding organisations to use the DAS, it is necessary for us to change the related parts of our existing regulatory requirements. We will also consider what other lessons we can learn from the first years of the delivery of the qualification. This document sets out the approach we intend to adopt in the light of these factors.

5.Any changes that we make to the regulations following this consultation will be introduced in a way that allows learners that have started, or are about to start, a Diploma to be given the opportunity to complete the qualification under the current arrangements.

6.This document considers:

• the background to the consultation, including the origins and development of the Diploma
• the need for regulatory change
• our existing Diploma regulations
• the changes that we intend to make to our regulatory requirements
• the timing of these changes
• the transitional arrangements we expect to be put in place
• what will happen next following this consultation.