A-level results were released today for students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scottish Higher results were released on 6 August. The LMS congratulates all students and their teachers for all their hard work represented in the results today and extends its warmest wishes to the students for the next step in their journeys.
A-level Mathematics entries reached record numbers this year, surpassing 100,000, and Mathematics remains the most popular A-level choice. The number of entries rose by 10.9% compared with 2023, from 96,853 in 2023 to 107,427 in 2024, and there was a one percentage point increase in Mathematics A-level entries as a proportion of total subjects, from 11.2% in 2023 to 12.2% in 2024. 42% of students taking mathematics received an A* or A in 2024. The number of entries for further Mathematics also saw an increase, from 15080 in 2023 to 18082 in 2024.
Professor Mary McAlinden, the LMS Education Secretary, said:
“The continuing growth in the number of learners attaining A-levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics is very encouraging, and we celebrate the achievements of all who have been successful in these subjects. Across the UK there is a critical need for more students to continue studying Mathematics in higher education, to provide the specialist expertise that is so highly in demand. A degree in the Mathematical Sciences provides access to a wealth of interesting and rewarding careers.”
The Campaign for Mathematical Sciences (CaMS) – a new initiative launched in the wake of the Protect Pure Maths campaign – has secured a multi-million pound fund to support the development of new and innovative maths degree programmes. The formal call will be launched in September 2024. UK universities will be able to bid for grants of up to £500,000 to fund innovation in maths teaching and curriculum design. Announcing the fund, Professor Jens Marklof, LMS President, said:
“The record number of pupils receiving A-level maths results this week is incredibly encouraging. Maths is key to the UK’s brightest future – it underpins many of our most urgent technologies from AI and quantum computing to cybersecurity, and is key to solving the nation’s challenges from climate change and epidemiology to national security. The fund will set a pathway for the future of teaching maths, with the aim to increase the overall pool of students going into a mathematical sciences degree.”
Last updated 15 August 2024