Royal Society responds to 2024 A level results  

Responding to the publication of today’s results, Professor Ulrike Tillmann, Chair of the Royal Society’s Education Committee said:  

“Congratulations to all students receiving their results today. Students have put in a huge amount of work, with the support of family and teachers.  

“The Royal Society is pleased to see that several STEM subjects – mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics – remain in the 10 most popular A levels. The significant increase in uptake of mathematics (+10.9%) and physics (+12.3%) in comparison with last year is encouraging.  

“It is also a positive sign that A level Mathematics is once again the most popular subject, and it continues to increase in entries each year. Mathematics is the first A level to ever exceed 100,000 entries which, as a mathematician, is exciting to see.  

“While the increase in maths A level entries is applaudable, we must also acknowledge that this type of mathematics education is not for everyone. The reality is that, in our modern world, everyone needs maths and data literacy to give them the real-world skills they need to thrive. This will require a new approach to education and Core Maths is a great starting point. It is therefore disappointing that Core Maths entry numbers and results were not announced today alongside A level, vocational and technical results. Until the value of Core Maths is promoted we are unlikely to see more schools and colleges valuing and offering this subject. 

“It is positive to see the increase in popularity of computing and the significant increase in physics. However, both computing and physics continue to have the lowest participation of girls in comparison to all other subjects: physics (77% boys, 23% girls), computing (82% boys, 18% girls). There is still much work to be done to encourage more girls to choose these valuable subjects to prepare them for future opportunities.  

“We are also pleased to see an increase in students studying T Levels, and that more subjects are now available. However, the small number of students studying the Science T Level is disappointing, representing only 1.7% of all T Level entries.  

“While the increased uptake of science and mathematics A levels is fantastic, the nature of the current post-16 qualification landscape means that the majority of students will only study up to three subjects. This narrowing of subject choice unfortunately brings with it a decline in arts, humanities and social sciences A level entries. This is deeply concerning. 

"The Royal Society calls on the Government to move towards a broader, more balanced education system. A system that equips young people with the knowledge, creativity, critical thinking and interpersonal skills they need to become well-rounded, active members of society.  

“We look forward to seeing how the recently announced review of curriculum and assessment responds to this need for change across the education system.”