Everyone at MEI is delighted that A level Mathematics entries in the UK have increased for the 4th successive year to 115,380. A level Mathematics continues to be the most popular A level, underlining its value to individual students nationwide, alongside the growing awareness of the importance of maths education to national economic success.
Equally pleasing is a significant rise in entries for A level Further Mathematics of approximately 8.5% to 21,032 as well as a 10.5% increase in AS Further Mathematics to 6,827.
Level 3 results 2026
Summaries of entries and results
MEI has produced summaries of entries and results for AS and A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, as well as Core Maths qualifications.
Compare entries and achievement year on year:
Despite this continuing growth in A level maths participation, we know there are many students whose mathematical talent is not yet realised. The University of Nottingham’s Mathematics Pipeline Project report has made clear that students from disadvantaged backgrounds who achieve highly in maths at KS2 are far less likely to realise this potential in GCSE Mathematics compared to their more advantaged peers. This limits their access to study A level Mathematics. Furthermore, the gender gaps in participation in A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics persist, limiting the potential of many young women to access exciting opportunities in higher education and future careers. The AMSP’s Higher Level Maths Achievement Programme and Girls Progression Programme are designed to tackle these problems.
It is still the case that too many students don’t study maths whilst studying for their A levels, at the very age when they possess the awareness and capability to learn how to apply the maths skills they have learnt at GCSE to a wider context, directly relevant to their future life and work. Many of these students could and should study Core Maths alongside their A levels.
MEI’s Chief Executive, Charlie Stripp said:
The continued growth in entries to A level Mathematics and AS and A level Further Mathematics entries is excellent news for students, employers and the wider economy. Mathematics remains the most popular A level, while Further Mathematics continues to attract record numbers of students, underlining the increasing recognition of the value of advanced mathematical skills.
These figures are also a testament to the dedication of teachers, schools and colleges, who inspire young people to develop confidence and success in mathematics throughout their education.
The growth of data sciences and AI mean that the mathematics A levels and Level 3 Core Maths qualifications are increasingly important to open doors for young people to access higher education and careers in STEM , finance and the social sciences.
This year’s continued growth is encouraging, but participation remains uneven. Too many young people who would benefit from studying maths post-16, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or less wealthy regions, and many young women, are still missing out on opportunities to continue their study of mathematics beyond GCSE. Addressing those gaps must remain a priority if we are to unlock the full potential of the next generation.
Charlie Stripp
Chief Executive, MEI
We would like to congratulate all students for their achievements on Level 3 results day and wish them every success in where it takes them.