Trends behind the A-Level results: Quarter of students attain top grades

Students across the country received their A-Level results last week, which also yielded some important statistics when it comes to achievement and subject choice. 97.6% of students achieved an E or higher – which is a pass - the same result as last year and the lowest pass rate since 2010. 25.5% of students achieved an A to A* grade for their efforts. Though, this is the lowest top grades achievement since 2007. Girls only just overtake boys in A to A* achievement by 0.1%, but 8.2% of boys achieved an A* grade compared to 7.5% of girls.

However, girls are now more likely to take science than boys due to the increased uptake in biology and chemistry. The most popular subject was maths, studied by 91,895 students this year, followed by biology and then psychology. Entries to English subjects has dropped by 21.8%, which has been blamed on English being seen as too ‘indulgent’ and ‘artsy’ and unable to earn students a high earning job like subjects such as economics could. There has also been a 10% rise in the number of students studying politics, which has been attributed to discussions surrounding Brexit and climate change.

A-level students get the lowest number of A* and A grades (Daily Mail) A level results day 2019: the data (Wonkhe) Guide to AS and A level results for England, 2019 (GOV.UK) NASUWT comments on A-Level results (NASUWT) 'Students don't see the value': why A-level English is in decline (The Guardian) Brexit and climate change said to be behind surge in politics A-level (Schools Week)

Why should this matter to me?

Although a large proportion of pupils are passing exams and attaining top grades, the statistics are the lowest they have been for years. Students need more support in studying for A-Levels to reach the standards of previous years. Also, knowing which subjects are popular with students, appropriate decisions can be made on how to treat provision for specific subjects. For example, resources for maths is more likely to appeal to A-Level students whereas products that support English skills may need to rebrand to be seen as more professionally useful.