Head teachers in Bradford today gave a lukewarm welcome to plans for new vocational diplomas.

And many voiced concerns the proposals would do little to improve the image of vocational qualifications compared to exams such as A-levels.

New work-based diplomas for 14- to 19-year-olds, covering subjects like engineering and health, were among changes revealed by the Government yesterday after a working party chaired by Sir Mike Tomlinson, former chief inspector of England's schools, had called for a new "overarching" diploma to replace the existing exams system.

But GCSEs and A-levels will stay, exams will be tougher and more challenging questions will be set for brighter students. A new diploma will also be given to youngsters who gain five good GCSEs or equivalent, including maths and English.

Helen Lynch, head teacher at Nab Wood School, Cottingley, called the moves a "missed chance". "The whole idea of the Tomlinson proposals was that there would be diplomas to recognise academic and vocational qualifications and to try to give a parity of esteem. This appears to have been abandoned," she said.

"It flies in the face of what we are doing in Bradford to develop a vocational curriculum but it appears we are still going to have this divide, which is of no help to our students."

John Player, head teacher at Bingley Grammar, said: "The Government appears to have a vision for the 50 per cent of young people who go to university but not the 50 per cent who don't.

"People in education have been calling for overarching qualifications which would be the way to get ahead and address our skills shortage." He welcomed vocational diplomas but said he feared they would "die a death".

Sue Mansfield, head teacher at Salt Grammar School, Baildon, also raised concerns about the failure to improve the image of vocational courses. "This may disadvantage a substantial core of students in Bradford schools," she said.

John Midgley, head teacher at Buttershaw High, was pleased to see students on vocational courses would be given diplomas. "We already offer our students a wide range of vocational courses as it helps to give students a wider range of choices and improves their chances of achievement," he said.

Heather Scott, director of Raising Achievement Through Data at Challenge College, Frizinghall, said she hoped the plans for different levels within the vocational diploma would mean fewer exams for pupils.

"We remain one of the most over-examined countries in Europe," she said. "The curriculum would be more appropriate for life-skilled jobs which would be a good step forward. We welcome it tentatively but it is disappointing Tomlinson's full report has not been given the Government's full backing."

Dr Tony Rickwood, head teacher at Parkside School, Cullingworth, thought the change let down less academic students: "Following the full recommendations in the report would have given students with less aptitude and academic abilities more motivation to stay in school up to the age of 18."