大象传媒

They can be taken instead of GCSE's and A levels, and are aimed at giving pupils hands on experience in their chosen field.

Students can choose from a number of subjects which will include engineering, healthcare and media.

They'll choose their subject area at the age of 14, then work towards a vocational qualification which will include work placements with employers in the area.

It鈥檚 part of a push by the government to try and make sure more young people stay in full time education.

Barking college will offer the diplomas for students in Barking & Dagenham and parts of Havering.

Principal Ted Parker told me it鈥檚 about recognising that many young people prefer a more practical approach than GCSEs or A-levels may offer:

鈥淧eople are ending up leaving school鈥� [and are] unclear about where they want to go.

Those people do need to feel that they've got a future in terms of jobs and employment鈥�

It鈥檚 a sentiment echoed by Charlie Wilson, who is currently on a similar vocational course in plumbing at the college.

鈥淚 knew I wanted to do a practical job cos I wasn't always that great at the theory side. This has really helped me find out which practical job I wanna do.鈥�

To hear more of my interview with Charlie click on the link below.

To hear more from Principle Parker about how the diplomas will work click on the link below this.

What do you think? Are you considering taking one of the new diplomas? Let me know your thoughts by emailing me lebo.diseko@bbc.co.uk