Pedigree partners 1

Higher national diplomas are not being squeezed out ("Awards shake-up set to squeeze out HNDs", THES , February 28). By bringing the HND into the foundation degree framework, the UK has for the first time a chance to have a national standard of foundation degree.

HNDs have a long and trusted pedigree, and today more than 80,000 students a year sign up for them. They are a qualification, designed with and for the industries they serve and one that businesses know and tell us that they like.

Paul Sokoloff
Qualifications director, Edexcel