A LEVEL RESULTS: MORE GIRLS THAN BOYS TAKE SCIENCE FOR FIRST TIME

Thursday 15 August 2019

Today’s A Level results show that:

For the first time ever more girls than boys have sat science A Levels (biology, chemistry and physics combined). 50.3 per cent of entries were girls and 49.6 per cent were boys.

There remains a large gender gap, however, in physics and maths.

Fewer than a quarter (22.6 per cent) of those taking physics were girls.

“It is fantastic that, for the first time ever, more girls than boys have taken A Level science. We welcome the increase in girls taking science A Levels but sexist stereotypes still shut many out of physics, closing off career paths for girls.

“This year just 23 per cent of those taking physics A Levels this year were girls.

“Funnelling boys down one route and girls down another sustains a skills gap – meaning businesses miss out on much-needed talent – and a lifelong gender pay gap that leaves women struggling to make ends meet.

“We also know that, despite more girls studying science subjects, they are still hugely underrepresented in science industries.

“We’ve made progress but we still need to tackle the barriers women face in accessing work and moving into higher-paid roles. Supporting women into STEM degrees and apprenticeships as a next step after A Levels is also vital.”