GCSE results STEM insight 

As students receive their GCSE results today, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) is sounding the alarm on the drop in STEM gateway subjects – particularly among girls – at a critical stage in education.

While gender parity is beginning to take shape in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, significant gaps persist in Computing, Construction, Design & Technology, Digital Technology, and Engineering.

At a time when national ambitions in defence, AI, energy, science and technology are accelerating, we risk falling short without enough engineers and technologists to meet this demand. Especially if students are feeling uninspired at the start of the talent pipeline.

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

•  STEM entries totalled 2.65M, with slight declines for both males (-0.7%) and females (-0.6%).
• Top 10 subjects unchanged including Maths (+1.7%) and Science Double Award (+0.9%) rising, while Biology (-5.8%) and Chemistry (-6.0%) falling.
• Maths performance dropped in both A (-0.3%) and C (-1.2%) grade range.
• Girls’ participation fell sharply in sciences: Biology (-6%), Chemistry (-6.3%), Physics (-6.8%), totalling 17,589 fewer female entries across these subjects.
• Gender gaps persist in Computing (22.6%), Construction (14.2%), D&T (30.2%), Digital Tech (29.2%), and Engineering (17.4%) – with more male entries.
• Statistics surged as a subject (+9.5%), with female participation up 11.5%.
• Vocational qualifications: Over 360K VTQ results awarded, including 348K Tech Awards.

 

David Lakin, Head of Learning Services and Education said: “We’d like to congratulate all students receiving their GCSE results today, many of whom were in Year 6 when the first Covid lockdown was introduced in March 2020, and they began secondary school in "bubbles".

"It’s concerning to see a drop in STEM gateway subjects, particularly among girls at this stage. While gender parity is emerging in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, stark gaps remain in Computing, Construction, Design & Technology, Digital Technology and Engineering.

“Most STEM subjects saw slight gains in performance, but Maths has dipped. We must ensure this doesn’t discourage students. There are many different routes into a career in engineering so no matter what results students receive today, there are lots of options to suit them.

“With 124,000 engineers needed annually*, and nearly half of employers telling us that education isn’t preparing young people for real-world roles**, low uptake in STEM threatens the start of the talent pipeline.

“At a time when government ambitions in defence, AI, science, and energy are growing, we risk falling short without enough engineers and technologists. The opportunity is still there, whether through A Levels, college or vocational routes, we must inspire and support young people to pursue STEM. It is practical, impactful and essential to society’s future.”

On gender gaps, Christopher Knibb, Governance and External Engagement Director and Director of WISE added: “The gender gap in STEM gateway subjects remains a major challenge. To inspire the next generation of women engineers, we must start early – showing primary school children the exciting range of careers in engineering and technology.

“Visibility matters, and real-life role models play a crucial role. Initiatives like our Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards and WISE’s My Skills My Life platform are helping to showcase the diversity of talent and opportunity in the sector. But progress requires consistent action from educators, employers, and government – because without diversity, we risk losing the innovation and collaboration needed to tackle society’s biggest challenges.”

To find out more about today’s results, visit: Research and statistics - WISE.

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

 
ENDS

Notes to Editor

Sources

*EngineeringUK (May 2024)

**IET Skills Survey 2025

About the IET

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Media enquiries to:

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications & PR Lead
E: rgillick@theiet.org