A level uptake in STEM grows but calls for greater gender equality

August 19, 2025

Recent A level results have revealed 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% from 2024).
Top subjects include Mathematics, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies, Physics, History, Sociology, Art & Design, and Economics.
Gender gaps persist: Maths (37.3% female), Further Maths (26.9% female), Physics (24.1% female), and Computing (18.6% female).
Female uptake is growing in Physics (+7.9%), Chemistry (female entries outnumber males), and Biology (64% female).
Environmental Science shows the most gender-balanced uptake (50.1% female), while Digital Technology remains the least chosen STEM subject.
Vocational routes are rising: T level entries up 61.4% 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. 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.”

In the 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%, with high entries in Biology (69%) and Chemistry (60%). The numbers for girls drop in Engineering Science (17%) and Computing (20%), spotlighting some gender imbalances in line with what we’re seeing in today’s A level results.

To find out more about the results, visit: Research and statistics – WISE.

For more information about careers in engineering, visit: IET Education – STEM activities and resources for primary and secondary