Students will be able to study new-style diploma qualifications in Sutton despite concerns they will encourage a divide between academic and vocational education.

Schools Minister Jim Knight announced that diplomas, which combine work-based training and academic study, and may eventually replace GCSEs and A-levels, will be offered at five Sutton schools from 2010.

But the news comes on the back of a critical report by the Sutton Trust, a charity, which found that many teachers did not believe they were a good qualification for pupils aiming for university.

The survey found that teachers see the diplomas as suitable for students who are “less academic” and from “poorer areas”.

James Turner, director of policy at the Sutton Trust, said: “There is a real danger of a divide emerging between those pupils in independent and top state schools who are set on an academic path, leading to places in selective universities, and students from non-privileged backgrounds who have those opportunities closed to them early on.”

As well as learning about a specific sector, all diploma students will continue to study English, maths and ICT.

Schools secretary Ed Balls has said he wants them to become the “qualification of choice” over A-levels.

Mr Knight said: “I am extremely pleased that young people in Sutton will have the chance to study the diploma.

“The qualification is an exciting new choice for young people, which will help students to gain the knowledge and skills they need to achieve success at university or in the career of their choice.”

• What do you think of the diploma? Leave your comment in the box below.