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Home / More girls taking A levels in STEM subjects but large gender gap remains.

More girls taking A levels in STEM subjects but large gender gap remains.

By agency reporter
August 20, 2018

Last week's A Level results showed that:

  • There has been an increase in the number of girls taking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) A Levels. The number has risen by 5.5 per cent since 2017. There remains a large gender gap, however, in these subjects
  • 21,038 more boys than girls completed physics A Levels, with boys accounting for 78 per cent of those sitting the exams
  • 20,913 more boys than girls completed maths A Levels, with boys making up 61 per cent of those sitting the exams

Responding, the chief executive of the Young Women’s, Dr Carole Easton said: “We welcome the increase in girls taking STEM A Levels but most girls remain shut out. Of those taking physics A Levels and 61 per cent doing maths this year, 78 per cent were boys. Overall, 42,000 more boys than girls completed these A Levels.

“We have growing skills gaps in industries like construction and engineering that are holding businesses and the economy back. While girls continue to face barriers to gaining relevant qualifications, those gaps will remain.

“More needs to be done from an early age to help women into STEM. Role models in schools, women’s taster sessions and better careers advice would be a good start. Supporting women into STEM degrees and apprenticeships as a next step after A Levels is vital too.”

*  A Level results tables, broken down by gender, were released on 16 August 2018 and are available here

* Young Women's Trust https://www.youngwomenstrust.org/

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