Last updated: 03 Jul 2008

The Diploma aggregation service supports the awarding of Diplomas, through the collation and aggregation of results for each learner. The first release of the Diploma aggregation service, and its help desk, went live on June 30th. The first learner accounts have been successfully opened. Centres which have completed the necessary prerequisites can now open learner accounts after being trained by their CSOs.

This is an important milestone in the delivery of the service, and work continues towards the scheduled second release in September. Testing for the bulk of functionality available in September is taking place with CABs, DABs and centres through July and August.

NAA will deliver exams officer training on the Diploma aggregation service in September and October 2008. This will focus on actual interaction with the system, and further resources will be available from this time (including user guides) to support usage of the service. This training will complement the spring series of training in administering the Diploma, which concluded in May 2008.

It is neccessary for centres to complete three agreements before being able to access the service. Heads of centres have already been sent these, but they are available here if you have not received them.

An ongoing priority for the project is working with management information service suppliers who supply software and other systems to schools and colleges. The aim of this work is to provide as smooth an experience as possible for learner administration through joining up MI and the Diploma aggregation systems, thereby reducing the administrative burden on schools and colleges.

A Unique Learner Number will be vital to identifying learners within the Diploma aggregation service. The team at QCA has established a dedicated work strand to ensure the effective alignment of the needs of the Diploma aggregation service with the development of the Unique Learner Number by MIAP (Managing Information Across Partners).

To find out more about the Diploma aggregation service, staff in schools or colleges can speak with their National Assessment Agency centre support officer.

Further detailed information relating to the development of the service is also available from the project website at http://www.diploma-aggregation-service.co.uk/

You can also download a factsheet on the service from the right-hand side of this page.