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Promising A Level results for STEM skills but gender gap remains

On A Level results day, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is celebrating the increase in crucial engineering gateway subjects – and is calling for greater action to get more young people into the sector.

Figures released by the Joint Council for Qualifications for UK-wide results show:

  • Mathematics remains the most popular A Level subject, accounting for 12.1% of all entries in 2024. Entries have exceeded 100,000 for the first time (107,427, up by 10.9% from 96,853 in 2023).
  • However, a gender gap between Mathematics still exists, with 63% of males taking the subject compared to 37% of females.
  • Further Mathematics A Level has seen the biggest percentage increase in entries; up 19.9% from 15,080 entries in 2023 to 18,082 in 2024.
  • There has been a large increase in Physics entries this year – up 12.3% to 43,114.
  • Computer Science increases in popularity with entries up by 11.3%
  • Design and Technology has decreased in the number of students taking this subject compared to last year (1,038 2024 vs 1,338 in 2023)
  • More than 7,000 students have passed T Levels – over twice as many as last year – across 16 pathways, including for six new T Levels.
  • There has been a drop in those taking the Engineering and Manufacturing T Level in 2024 compared to 2023.

With the UK facing a nationwide skills shortage – which may yet increase further with last week’s Government announcement looking at curbing overseas hiring for tech engineering jobs – the IET is highlighting the need for engineering to be embedded into the national curriculum to engage young people early on, and for educators to prioritise hands-on learning to capture imaginations – as well as show what roles in STEM sectors are like.

The recently launched Government Skills England project offers the UK a national approach to tackling the skills shortage. However, the IET says to continue this progress, we now need to see greater focus on localities and how shortages are affecting different areas across the UK.

David Lakin, IET Head of Education said: “We’d like to congratulate students receiving their A Level results today. It’s really positive to see the increase in engineering-related results this year, showing that there is a real appetite for STEM learning within young people.

“This is particularly important as we know lessons in practical science have dropped across the UK, despite two-thirds of secondary school students wanting to do more practical learning*. This is something we need to change. Hands-on practical education is critically important in demonstrating what a career in STEM can be like.

“It’s particularly positive to see the increase in T Levels overall – we need to ensure the parity of treatment between A Levels and vocational routes is equal so that students are aware of all of the options open to them for further study.

“University is not necessarily the best route for all students aspiring to become engineers. Hands-on vocational courses, such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, as well as post GCSE T Levels, are just as strong qualifications when entering the engineering workforce – so we need to make sure students are aware of all of the options.

“It’s no secret that the UK is experiencing a shortage of engineers – so we need to see students gaining the right balance of education, work experience and relevant careers guidance to pursue careers in the industry, whether that be via university or via an apprenticeship. A career in engineering and technology provides an exciting opportunity to make a difference by improving our world and shaping our future, touching every part of our lives.”

Dr Laura Norton, IET Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and WISE Managing Director, added: “The results this year show persistent gender gaps across STEM subjects including Maths, Physics and Computing.

“Previous IET research shows the gaps in perceptions between boys and girls, with girls far less likely to consider a career in engineering – this has been cemented by recent EngineeringUK research also.

“This gap must be addressed by showing first-hand what careers in the sector can be like, by providing engineering role models and encouraging young people to consider STEM roles much earlier in school.

“We need to keep on challenging outdated perceptions that engineering is just for boys and keep highlighting and celebrating women engineers as role models. Role models are critical in inspiring girls to take up STEM subjects and careers, and using resources like WISE’s My Skills My Life platform can showcase the breadth and depth of people and roles in the sectors.”

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