Level 2 results day in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
Today students across England, Northern Ireland and Wales are receiving their GCSE exam results, as well as level 1 and 2 vocational technical qualifications (VTQ). This follows the Scottish National 5s, earlier this month.
Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK, comments:
“Huge congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE and VTQ results today. Achieving qualifications in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects are key milestones on the route to an engineering and technology career.
“Maths and science, like English, are compulsory core subjects at GCSE. Maths entries are up 2.2%, larger than the overall increase in GCSE entries (0.6%), which we believe is due to re-sits. Statistics continues its significant increase in popularity, with a 11.2% increase in entries – the largest growth of any STEM subject for the third year running. The trend towards combined science and away from triple science continues – with science double award entries up 1.9%, and physics, chemistry and biology all down around 1.5%.
“It’s disappointing to see the continued decline in design and technology (D&T) entries, down 2.3% since last year. The practical skills provided by D&T are hugely beneficial for a career in engineering and technology. Given the underrepresentation of women and girls in key pathways into engineering and technology, it is particularly concerning to see the decline this year driven by female entries (-7.1%). More needs to be done to increase the uptake of these subjects by girls.
“Computing has also declined for the second year running (-7.1%), after a peak in entries in 2024. Entries are still higher than 2022, though, so this may not be a longer-term trend.
“113,061 level 1 and 2 VTQs were also awarded across engineering and technology subjects – 25% of all VTQs awarded this year.
"The engineering and technology sector continues to grow, offering young people access to exciting, rewarding and well-paid careers. It's important that young people are supported to develop a broad range of skills, so they're equipped to pursue these routes.
"We encourage students to explore the full range of options available to them for their next steps – from A Levels to apprenticeships, T Levels and other VTQs. Whatever path they choose, STEM subjects can open the door to a rewarding and diverse career in engineering and technology."
Our full briefing on GCSE exam results will be available to download in our research hub later today.
Our commentary and analysis on last week’s exam results for A Levels, T Levels, level 3 VTQs, plus Scottish Highers and university acceptances, is available online.
It’s disappointing to see the continued decline in design and technology (D&T) entries, down 2.3% since last year. The practical skills provided by D&T are hugely beneficial for a career in engineering and technology. Given the underrepresentation of women and girls in key pathways into engineering and technology, it is particularly concerning to see the decline this year driven by female entries (-7.1%). More needs to be done to increase the uptake of these subjects by girls.
— Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK
