Bristol will be able to teach diploma qualifications in its schools and colleges, from 2011, the Government said today.

Diplomas are already on offer in parts of South Gloucestershire and some will run in North Somerset from this September.

Bristol has now got the all clear for nine subject areas and is hoping the launch of some of them can be brought forward to start in 2010.

Diplomas, for students aged 14 to 19, run alongside GCSEs, A-levels, apprenticeships and a more basic level, known as foundation learning.

They are expected to particularly suit young people who like to learn about subjects in ways that relate to real life.

The qualifications, which can be studied at various levels, combine academic theory with practical knowledge to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience they need for success at college, university and at work.

All include an element of work experience, as well as English, maths and ICT, taught in a "creative and enjoyable" way.

More than a hundred employers in Bristol have already given their firm support to teaching diploma courses.

From September 2011, diplomas will be taught in society, health and development, IT, engineering, construction and the built environment, hospitality, creative and media, business administration and finance, hair and beauty studies and sport and active leisure

They will be available in further education colleges, academies, trust and faith schools and local authority secondaries. Not every subject will be on offer at every site but students should be able to find what they want around the city.

This already happens in the Kingswood area of South Gloucestershire, which pioneered the diploma for the Government and is already offering five subjects this year and five more from September across six secondary schools and a campus of City of Bristol College.

Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, Bristol City Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "This is really good news for our young people. Diplomas add to the mix of qualifications and learning experiences.

"They will be attractive to students with a range of skills and from different educational backgrounds.

"The council is committed to building on existing educational partnerships to develop diploma teaching and maximise our use of specialist expertise and facilities."

Marius Frank, head at Bedminster Down, who has been leading the diploma development in Bristol, said: "This is fantastic news and we are delighted.

"Teaching diplomas is a transformational opportunity for education in Bristol and we are hungry to start teaching as soon as possible."