Mathematics continues to be the top A-level subject in spite of a decrease in the number of A-level Mathematics entries across the UK. While the number of students sitting the exam is down by 0.6% on last year to 92,163, the percentage of the total A-level cohort represented by Mathematics has risen slightly from 10.9% to 11%.
Figures released today by the Joint Council for Qualifications also show that A-level Further Mathematics has continued to rise in popularity, with entries increasing by 1.8% (to 15,257).
However, a worrying trend is that AS Mathematics entries decreased by 1.6% (to 162,741), while AS Further Mathematics entries decreased by 1.1% (to 26,742). The reformed A-level in Mathematics has not yet been introduced, so this may be an early warning sign that the changing funding regime and the decoupling of AS from A-level already underway in almost all subjects are combining to reduce the number of students taking a fourth subject at AS.
The London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) extend their congratulations to all students receiving their A-level and AS results today.
The skills students develop in studying Mathematics open up a wide choice of rewarding careers. Mathematical sciences play a vital role in all aspects of modern society, including cybersecurity, manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, finance and meeting the new challenges of ‘big data’. Maintaining the pipeline of well-trained mathematicians is vital for the future prosperity of the UK and its position in the world economy.
Professor Peter Giblin, Chair of the Higher Education Committee at the IMA, and Professor Alice Rogers, Chair of the Education Committee at the LMS added, ‘It is excellent news that the proportion of A-level entries in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics continues to rise, and candidates are to be congratulated on a further increase in high grades achieved. The more worrying trends at AS will need to be monitored carefully, since both AS Mathematics and Further Mathematics are useful qualifications in their own right as well as providing a stepping stone to the full A-level’.
Notes for Editors
- The London Mathematical Society (LMS) is the UK’s learned society for mathematics. Founded in 1865 for the promotion and extension of mathematical knowledge, the Society is concerned with all branches of mathematics and its applications. It is an independent and self-financing charity, with a membership of over 2600 drawn from all parts of the UK and overseas. Its principal activities are the organisation of meetings and conferences, the publication of periodicals and books, the provision of financial support for mathematical activities, and the contribution to public debates on issues related to mathematics research and education. It works collaboratively with other mathematical bodies worldwide. It is the UK adhering body to the International Mathematical Union.
- The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is the learned and professional society for mathematics. It promotes mathematics research, education and careers, and the use of mathematics in business, industry and commerce. Amongst its activities the IMA produces academic journals, organises conferences, and engages with government. Founded in 1964, the Institute has 5,000 members. Forty percent of members are employed in education (schools through to universities), and the other 60% work in commercial, industrial and governmental organisations. In 1990 the Institute was incorporated by Royal Charter and was subsequently granted the right to award Chartered Mathematician and Chartered Mathematics Teacher designation.
- The LMS and IMA are members of the Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS), which also comprises the Royal Statistical Society, the Edinburgh Mathematical Society and the Operational Research Society.
- For a complete set of national results, visit www.jcq.org.uk/examination-results/a-levels/2016
- Contact:
Dr John Johnston
Joint Promotion of Mathematics
London Mathematical Society
De Morgan House
57–58 Russell Square
London WC1B 4HS.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7927 0804
Email: john.johnston@lms.ac.uk
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
Catherine Richards House
16 Nelson Street
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
SS1 1EF
London Mathematical Society
De Morgan House
57-58 Russell Square
London
WC1B 4HS
