EDUCATION Secretary Ruth Kelly has pledged to consider a new diploma covering A-level studies, casting fresh doubt over the future of the "gold standard" exams.

In February, she rejected plans from former chief schools inspector Sir Mike Tomlinson to replace A-levels and GCSEs with a continental-style diploma. But now Ms Kelly says a general diploma at A-level would be reconsidered in 2008, raising the prospect of the Tomlinson plans coming in through the back door.