A level Mathematics remains the most popular A level, and uptake has increased again, building from last year’s significant rise, to almost 105,000 students. This rise, and the continued strong increase in A level Further Mathematics numbers, reflect the growing recognition of the importance of Level 3 maths education to individual and national success. We know that both A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics have a significant positive effect on lifetime earnings. This can act as a socio-economic leveller, regardless of your gender, location, ethnicity, or background.

Whilst there has been a marginal narrowing of the gender gap in A level Mathematics, there has been a slight widening in A level Further Mathematics. Increasing girls’ progression to A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics is a priority, to help ensure young women are not disadvantaged in the employment market. The new Girls Progression Programme, run by the AMSP, will work with schools to develop and inform cultures that encourage girls to choose to study mathematics at A level.

The large growth (almost 20%) in Core Maths entry numbers is especially pleasing. The significant growth in numbers taking Core Maths qualifications, and its inclusion in the data published on results day by the JCQ, demonstrates increasing recognition of the value of Core Maths qualifications. The knowledge and skills developed through studying Core Maths are more important than ever; all students should have the opportunity to learn how to apply the maths they learnt at GCSE to help them manage their lives and understand the issues affecting society. Wider participation in Core Maths will help ensure we have a mathematically literate society with young adults confident to use and understand mathematics and statistics in work and life.

We would like to congratulate all students for their achievements on Level 3 results day, and we hope their maths qualification will support their success in the future.