This year’s A level results reveal a promising surge in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subject popularity among students, with a rise in female participation – signalling progress towards a more inclusive future for science and engineering.
However, with traditional gender gaps persisting in subjects like Maths, Physics and Computing, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) is raising concerns.
They’re calling for greater visibility of vocational pathways, diverse role models, and earlier engagement in schools to ensure all young people – regardless of gender – can see themselves in a STEM career.
Figures released by the Joint Council for Qualifications for UK-wide results show:
* STEM subjects saw 882,509 total entries, with Mathematics remaining the most popular A level for the 12th year (112,138 entries, up 4.4 percent from 2024)
* Top subjects include Mathematics, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies, Physics, History, Sociology, Art & Design, and Economics
* Gender gaps persist: Maths (37.3 percent female), Further Maths (26.9 percent female), Physics (24.1 percent female), and Computing (18.6 percent female)
* Female uptake is growing in Physics (+7.9 percent), Chemistry (female entries outnumber males), and Biology (64 percent female).
* Environmental Science shows the most gender-balanced uptake (50.1 percent female), while Digital Technology remains the least chosen STEM subject
* Vocational routes are rising: T level entries up
61.4 percent to 11,909, with strong representation in Science, Digital Technology, and Engineering
David Lakin, Head of Events, Learning & Education at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said: “We’d like to congratulate all students receiving their A Level results today.
“It’s encouraging to see STEM subjects continue to rank highly among the most popular choices, reflecting a strong interest in science and technology among young people.
“The rise in T Level uptake is also a welcome development. Ensuring equal recognition between academic and vocational pathways is essential so students can make informed decisions about their future, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or other hands-on routes into industry.
“With the UK facing a shortage of engineers,
it’s vital that students receive a balanced mix of education, experience, and careers guidance. Embedding engineering into the curriculum, relating it to real-life scenarios and applications, and prioritising practical learning will help inspire the next generation to pursue rewarding careers that shape our world.”
Looking at gender breakdowns across subjects, Dr Laura Norton, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Institution of Engineering and Technology and Managing Director of WISE, said: “It’s encouraging to see more girls choosing STEM subjects overall, but gender gaps persist – especially in Maths, Physics and Computing.
“This reflects long-standing differences in how boys and girls perceive engineering careers.”
“To close these gaps, we must challenge outdated stereotypes
and spotlight diverse role models. Girls need to see that engineering is for them too – and that starts with visibility and access to all pathways, from school through to industry.”
“Role models matter – and celebrating women engineers is key to inspiring the next generation. Resources like WISE’s My Skills My Life platform are vital in showcasing the breadth of opportunities and people in STEM.”
In last week’s results in Scotland, Maths topped the charts with 4,460 Advanced Higher entries, followed by Biology at 3,125.
In STEM, female representation sits at 47 percent, with high entries in Biology (69 percent) and Chemistry (60 percent). The numbers for girls drop in Engineering Science (17 percent) and Computing (20 percent), spotlighting some gender imbalances in line with what we’re seeing in today’s A level results.