CaSE responds to A-level results 2017

CaSE responds to A-level results out today, highlighting the urgent need for addressing teacher shortages for future success

CaSE Director, Dr Sarah Main said,

“Congratulations to all students, their teachers and parents, who have worked so hard to achieve their A-level results today. 

The jobs of this generation will increasingly benefit from skills learnt through science and maths subjects: analysis, critical thinking and combining creativity with tech know-how. The UK needs talented young people with science and tech skills to grow our wellbeing and prosperity. In recognition of this, the Government has put science and engineering at the heart of its industrial strategy. 

But we still have a lot to do to encourage young people from all walks of life to benefit from the opportunities that developing maths, science and engineering skills offers. As a first step to achieving this, Government must urgently address the shortage of teachers in specialist subjects such as maths, computing, engineering and physics.”

NOTES

1. This year 41% of total A level entries were in STEM subjects (up slightly from 39% in 2015 and 40% in 2016). The figures is static for girls, 35% of entries were in STEM subjects compared with 46% of entries for boys.
2. Gender splits remain stubborn with girls accounting for 21.5% of physics and 9.9% of computing. And in Biology, girls numbers increase slightly at 61.7%. Chemistry is again 50:50
3. According to Department for Education Initial Teacher Training census (2016-17) teacher recruitment targets were not met in Maths (84%), Physics (81%), Computing (68%) and Design and Technology (41%). This compounds similar under-recruitment in previous years.
4. Science and maths teachers also have the highest rates of leaving the profession compounding the issue, according to NFER research.

To read more in-depth analysis, click here.