JUST six students in Blackburn with Darwen have signed up to the government’s flagship diploma scheme.

The official figures show the borough is in the bottom three authorities in England for take-up of the new qualifications, which are supposed to bridge the gap between academic work and practical jobs for teenagers.

Council bosses insist the figure does not give a true picture and say they are doing everything they can to offer different options to youngsters.

Figures released in parliament have revealed 12,000 students started one of the courses in September, the first time they were offered.

The government had initially expected 50,000 youngsters to sign up.

Wakefield, with five pupils signing up, is the lowest in the country.

Lancashire County Council, which controls the rest of East Lancashire’s schools, saw 100 students enrol for the courses, which are normally for two years.

Specialist Diplomas, which are aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds, were the government’s answer to an inquiry that recommended replacing traditional GSCEs and A levels, although ministers insist they are seen as an alternative.

This year students could chose between media, IT, health and social care, construction and the built environment and engineering. In 2009 the choice of subjects will increase to 10.

Lib Dem Coun Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services, said the “foundations were being laid” for the new diplomas.

He added: “No single statistic tells a full story.

“We feel this is a really big challenge, and we’re going to take it up with vigour.“ The Conservatives, who obtained the figures, have claimed the government has confused students about the diplomas.

Shadow children’s secretary Michael Gove said: “The confusion has led to tens of millions of taxpayers’ money being spent on diplomas with only a few thousand pupils actually doing them.”