BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMAS - Does anyone know if they have been phased out?

[tigerbear]

Hi all, I'd be so grateful if any education experts out there could answer this - are BTEC National Diplomas being phased out / have been phased out?
I'm doing some research for a careers advice book and obviously don't want to give readers the wrong information (the book is for 13-19 year olds) but can't find a definitive answer on the internet. The Edexcel site doesn't list them anymore (only HND's) however some college websites still have them listed.

I've just called a Connexions advisor who didn't know either, which I found odd.

Any insight would be much appreciated.
TIA

Anyone?

yes they are still on offer at some schools and colleges.
They do one at The BRIT school for pre and post 16.
My ds is trying to choose whether to take it or go for A levels or even IB. I understand they are not very academically challenging. I'm trying myself to find out what the higher is like in terms of syllabus.

I did a BTEC National Certificate two years ago, pretty sure peers from another college were doing the diploma.

On the edexcel website they're listed as "BTEC Nationals"

Here

BTEC "nationals" just means that it is a level 3 qualification.
They vary from college to college - the "award" is equivalent to 1 A level - the certificate = 2 A levels, and the Diploma is 3 A levels.

They are different from A levels in that they are not meant to be academic - they are a vocational qualification. There are still assignments and projects to do - there can be alot of written work - depending on the course.

Students often have to manage their time a bit more as often they have to do projects that have alot of steps in them. Again it depends on the course/ tutor. There are no exams, and they have to have excellent attendance.

Sorry - meant to say that I think the NAME is changing inorder to accomodate the new foundation and diploma stuff. I don't believe the actual btec is changing. But then I just sat through a presentation with 2 local colleges, and neither of them knew either.

Hi all - sorry I didn't come back before now -have been wasting my time on all of the rather random threads on here tonight.

Thanks for the info - I've just downloaded some info from the Edexcel site - it's all rather confusing though. If we find it confusing, goodness knows what it's like for a teenager to find out anything in order to make a decision about their education!

The names are changing from next year.

What used to be the BTEC National Diploma (3 A-levels) is now the BTEC National Extended Diploma. What used to be the BTEC National Certificate (2 A-levels) is now the BTEC National Diploma.

LadySharrow thanks for this info - how do know? Is there a website outlining this, or do you work in education?

It's all on the edexcel website but btec is a complicated system and differs from college to college. What did you want to know? Names changed as of this september. I'm a btec coordinator, can I help with a specific query? On the thread or feel free to pm me.