GCSE results: IET celebrates increase in engineering subjects

Figures released by the Joint Council for Qualifications for UK wide results show:

• Science (980,786 entries) and Mathematics (878,165 entries) remain in the top ten subjects
• Statistics has seen the largest percentage increase at 19.9% - 26,559 entries to 31,844
• Continuing uptake in Computer Science with an increase at 5.8% - 90,558 to 95,841, however Digital Technology (previously ICT) has decreased from last year (8,527 vs 8,753)
• Design and Technology has increased from last year (88,607 vs 86,840)
• Engineering has increased from last year (3,018 vs 2,746)
• More males studying Science, with significant gaps in Construction, Engineering, Computing and Design and Technology
• Vocational and Technical Awards: Increases in Information and Computer Technology (23,300) and Construction Planning and the Built Environment (14,700) but a drop in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (27,300 entries) compared to 2023

David Lakin, Head of Education at the IET, said: “We’d like to congratulate all students receiving their GCSE results today. It’s positive to see that Science and Mathematics remain the top two subjects, with significant increases in Statistics and Computer Science and an uplift in Design and Technology – all of which could open the door to an exciting and creative career as an engineer or technologist.

“We know that the appetite for studying and working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is there, so we need to make sure young people now know how these subjects apply to their future ambitions, what roles in the STEM sector are available and what routes they can take to get there.

“A broad and balanced education for all young people is fundamental to the formation of future engineers, ensuring they have a rounded knowledge, and the skills required for engineering a better world for us all.

“We need engineering to be recognised more widely within primary and secondary education. The country needs more people studying engineering subjects at university and taking up apprenticeships and that must start with uptake at GCSE level.”

Dr Laura Norton, IET Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and WISE Managing Director, added: “More males are studying Science, with significant gaps in Construction, Engineering, Computing and Design and Technology. 

“This shows that there is still so much to be done to tackle the gender gap in STEM. We must inspire the next generation of women engineers, and this starts from a very young age. We need to be telling primary school children about the opportunities and range of careers within engineering and technology – so that they know that there is a place for them in the sector.

“Visibility and representation matters, so we need to be providing real life role models for the younger generation to look up to and to tell them first-hand about their experiences and how to get into the sector. Both the IET and WISE are working to highlight role models in the sector via the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards and WISE’s My Skills My Life platform – both showcasing the breadth and depth of people and roles in the sectors.”

“Many people still don’t appreciate how much society depends on the skills and knowledge of engineers, and without diversity in the profession, we won’t get the creativity, innovation and collaboration needed to solve the complex global problems we face. Work is being done across the sector but there is still a lot to do – and it requires consistent action from education, employers and Government.”