EngineeringUK welcomes A Level and T Level exam results

19 August, 2024

Gooch expressed particular satisfaction with a slight increase in the number of girls taking A Levels in computing and Design & Technology (D&T). The percentage of girls sitting A Levels in computing rose to 17%, up from 15% in 2023, while those studying D&T increased to 32%, up from 30% the previous year. Despite these positive changes, the percentages for maths and physics remained stable at 37% and 23%, respectively.

Earlier research conducted by EngineeringUK revealed a concerning trend: girls in years 7-9 are increasingly disengaged from science subjects. In response, Gooch emphasised the need for intensified efforts to sustain and grow girls’ interest in key STEM areas. EngineeringUK will collaborate with educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to address this issue.

The results show that girls outperformed boys in both computing and D&T, achieving higher grades at A*/A and A*-C levels. In mathematics, boys achieved slightly better A*/A grades, while girls excelled in A*-C grades. In further mathematics, boys slightly outperformed girls in both A*/A and A*-C grades. For physics, performance was similar among both genders, with girls slightly outperforming boys at the A*-C grade level.

Since 2020, there has been a notable rise in A Level entries, with mathematics continuing to be the most popular subject, surpassing 100,000 entries. Physics and further mathematics also saw significant increases, with physics entries up by 12.3%, mathematics up by 10.9%, computing up by 11.3%, and further mathematics up by 19.9%.

T Levels, introduced in 2020, have seen substantial growth, with 7,380 students receiving results this year—double the number from last year. Notably, 89% of these students passed their T Levels, and approximately half of those completing their courses studied engineering and technology-related subjects. However, Gooch noted that grades in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, which stood at 70%, could be improved.

Gooch also highlighted the ongoing challenge of increasing awareness and uptake of T Levels among employers and young people. Particularly, there is a need to boost the 9% of females currently taking engineering and technology-related T Levels.

Looking ahead, EngineeringUK anticipates a significant rise in engineering jobs, which are expected to grow faster than any other occupation by 2030. Gooch hopes today’s results will inspire more young people, especially girls, to explore rewarding STEM careers.

For students whose results did not go as planned, Gooch reassured them that there are multiple pathways into engineering and technology. Engineering is a diverse field with numerous opportunities, and varied routes are available to enter and succeed in these exciting careers.

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