As part of the recent media discussion on the low uptake of STEM subjects by girls, we have analysed data from various sources[1] to explore whether or not there is a true gender gap at both GCSE and A Level (including some apprenticeships data) in STEM subjects (see our Big Numbers). We have examined data for a cohort of pupils that took their GCSEs in 2011 and A Levels in 2013. We are not looking to explain any gaps if found, but simply to see if the data corroborates with the hypotheses and stories that have been prominent in the news over the past few months. This research is important as STEM subjects have been recognized by successive UK governments as well as industry representatives for playing an important role in the economy.

Clear patterns can be seen from the analysis; firstly, the gender gap in the uptake of STEM subjects increased as students continued further into their education; the gap was larger at A Levels compared to GCSEs. We also see large differences between the STEM subjects as to the gender gap:

● For biology, the gap at GCSE in this subject was ten thousand at GCSE (80,000 boys to 70,000 girls) in favour of boys, but at A Level girls outnumbered boys by approximately five thousand, making biology the only STEM subject favoured by girls (37,000 to 32,000).

● For engineering, the picture was very different. Fourteen times more boys than girls took the GCSE in engineering (1,757 boys to 152 girls). The gap got even wider when looking at the numbers of completed level 3 apprenticeships in engineering and the number of applications for higher education courses in engineering. Nearly five thousand boys compared to just 40 girls completed an apprenticeship, and over eighteen thousand boys applied for an engineering course in higher education compared to fewer than two thousand girls[2].

●Both maths and physics also saw gaps where boys outnumbered girls. This was not so prevalent at GCSE, though policy means all students are entered for maths GCSE, but at A Level almost twice as many boys took maths than girls. For A Level physics, there were almost five times as many boys than girls taking the subject.

The data show there are defined gender gaps in the uptake of these subjects, and that the gap widens as a pupils continue through their education. Many suggestions and theories to the gap have been proposed in the media – girls aren’t pushed enough in the sciences so tend to not take them on when given the choice, different career paths are already established by this point that don’t involve the need for STEM subjects and various other hypotheses. What are your thoughts? Is this gap an issue?

Log in to our Post 16 Forum or LinkedIn to let us know what you think and join the discussion!

 

[1] Data sourced from the Joint Council for Qualifications, the Data Service and UCAS.

[2] The numbers of HE applications are for those students applying to start a course at HE institution in the 2012/13 academic year. These are the latest available data.