A-level results see upswing in STEM subjects but concern on the horizon for girls studying STEM

We've been thinking about the brilliant results A-level students received last week. By engaging young minds with STEM opportunities from an early age, we can build a pipeline of future innovators and leaders, so what does the forecast look like based on the A-level results?

Mathematics remains the most popular A-level, with over 107,400 people sitting the exam in 2024, up 10.9% from 2023, while Biology and Chemistry take third and fourth spots.

In terms of gender, the overall gender split in STEM entries was nearly even, with 49.1% female and 50.9% male students. However, when we break it down by subject, significant gender disparities remain:

?? Biology: 63.5% of students were female

? Chemistry: 56.2% female

? Mathematics: 39% female

?? Physics: Only 23.3% female

?? Computer Science: Just 17.5% female, though female entries saw a promising 28.6% increase from 2023

While these results do highlight the progress in encouraging women to pursue STEM fields, it does also underscore the persistent gender imbalances in critical subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science.

It also spells for a less diverse pipeline of talent coming into STEM industries. As we know, the key to attracting diverse talent into our industry is sparking their interest early on. Even more worrying then that recent research from EngineeringUK shows:

• Only 12% of girls say being an engineer fits well with who they are.
• Just 16% of girls think an engineering career is suitable for them.
• 36% of girls say science is not for them

The research highlights that opportunities for practical science are particularly important for less engaged students, but only a quarter of GCSE students are doing practical work at least every fortnight.

Speaking to a physics teacher at an all girls comprehensive academy in Greater London, she has noted "While yes, practicals are a great way of engaging minds, there is simply not enough teaching hours available to the sciences to facilitate these and complete the theory heavy curriculum. On top of that, some practicals and topics are painfully dull! If we want to inspire the next generation of scientists, we should be showcasing the best of our disciplines with an engaging curriculum that also teaches students how to learn."

"I think meeting more women who have made careers for themselves in STEM fields would also help, understanding what their days look like, what they do, even understanding more about what they could be earning."

It's clear that now more than ever, it's important that STEM industries do more to inspire and encourage the future work force. As well as nurturing fresh talent when it arrives through mentoring programmes, we should encourage more people to become STEM Ambassadors to inspire the next generation.