Provisional entries for GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2024 exam series
Published 30 May 2024
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/provisional-entries-for-gcse-as-and-a-level-summer-2024-exam-series/provisional-entries-for-gcse-as-and-a-level-summer-2024-exam-series
This report presents provisional figures for the number of entries for GCSEs, AS and A levels submitted by schools and colleges in England to exam boards by 18 April 2024 for qualifications which are to be awarded in summer 2024.
These figures reflect the information submitted to exam boards at that time but numbers for final entries are always expected to vary to some degree.
1. Key headlines
The key headlines in provisional entries for GCSEs, AS and A levels for the summer 2024 series are:
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GCSE entries have increased by 4.8% from 5,543,840 in summer 2023 to 5,811,790 in summer 2024
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the proportion of entries by tier in tiered GCSE subjects are broadly similar in summer 2024 compared with summer 2023
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A level entries have increased by 2.4% from 806,410 in summer 2023 to 825,390 in summer 2024
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AS entries have decreased by 4.5% from 62,785 in summer 2023 to 59,935 in summer 2024
2. GCSE entries
The overall entry for GCSEs has increased by 4.8% from 5,543,840 in summer 2023 to 5,811,790 in summer 2024. Overall entries for GCSEs have been slowly but steadily increasing for the past 5 years, but over the past 2 years a more pronounced increase in entries has been seen.
Table 1. GCSE entries from summer 2020 to summer 2024
| Year group | Summer 2020 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Summer 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 10 and below | 124,310 | 95,580 | 107,400 | 99,780 | 92,375 |
| Year 11 | 4,756,135 | 4,847,140 | 4,928,640 | 5,090,115 | 5,297,100 |
| Year 12 and above | 401,300 | 358,350 | 313,210 | 353,940 | 422,310 |
| All year groups | 5,281,745 | 5,301,075 | 5,349,250 | 5,543,840 | 5,811,790 |
The majority of GCSE entries are from year 11 students. Entries from year 11 students have increased in summer 2024 compared with summer 2023 (an increase of 4.1%). This increase, however, should be considered in the context of a 5.2% increase in the size of the population of those aged 16 in England, from 663,078 in 2023 (according to ONS population estimates in 2021) to 697,673 in 2024 (according to ONS population estimates in 2022).
The increase of 4.8% for GCSE entries in summer 2024 is due to a rise in entries for both EBacc subjects and non-EBacc subjects.
Table 2. GCSE entries for EBacc and non-EBacc subjects from summer 2020 to summer 2024
| Subject types | Summer 2020 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Summer 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EBacc entries | 4,297,100 | 4,337,685 | 4,378,110 | 4,554,415 | 4,776,980 |
| Non-EBacc entries | 984,645 | 963,390 | 971,140 | 989,430 | 1,034,805 |
| Percent EBacc entries | 81.4% | 81.8% | 81.8% | 82.2% | 82.2% |
| Percent non-EBacc entries | 18.6% | 18.2% | 18.2% | 17.8% | 17.8% |
2.1 Change from previous year in GCSE entries for EBacc subjects
The overall entry for EBacc subjects in summer 2024 has increased by 4.9% from 4,554,415 in summer 2023 to 4,776,980 in summer 2024.
Please note that entry in combined science is double counted because combined science is the equivalent of 2 GCSE grades. Please also note that ancient languages includes ancient history as well as ancient languages.
Table 3. Percentage change in EBacc entries in summer 2024 compared to summer 2023
| Subject grouping | Entries in Summer 2023 | Entries in Summer 2024 | Percentage change in entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined science | 881,925 | 926,780 | 5.1% |
| Mathematics | 786,815 | 842,595 | 7.1% |
| English language | 754,910 | 807,785 | 7.0% |
| English literature | 601,945 | 623,610 | 3.6% |
| History | 298,155 | 312,415 | 4.8% |
| Geography | 283,020 | 287,610 | 1.6% |
| Biology | 180,125 | 183,370 | 1.8% |
| Chemistry | 173,530 | 174,750 | 0.7% |
| Physics | 172,725 | 174,745 | 1.2% |
| French | 126,560 | 130,650 | 3.2% |
| Spanish | 121,670 | 129,940 | 6.8% |
| Computing | 88,530 | 93,985 | 6.2% |
| Other modern languages | 39,270 | 42,460 | 8.1% |
| German | 33,945 | 35,110 | 3.4% |
| Ancient languages | 11,290 | 11,175 | -1.0% |
| Total | 4,554,415 | 4,776,980 | 4.9% |
There have been increases in entries for most EBacc subjects with the largest percentage increase in other modern languages (8.1%). The increase in other modern languages entries is the same as the increase seen in the provisional entries report for 2023 where there was a 8.1% increase compared with 2022. There was a small decrease in entries for ancient languages this year (- 1.0%).
2.2 Entries in EBacc subjects over time and by year group
The growth in the population of those aged 16 in recent years’ ONS population estimates is likely to explain the increase in entries in Ebacc subjects. In the uptake of individual subjects, however, there are other factors at play, such as individual preferences and other existing trends.
Entries for most Ebacc subjects have consecutively increased each year for the past 5 years. Entries for ancient languages have decreased each year.
Table 4. Entries in EBacc subjects from summer 2020 to summer 2024
| Subject | Summer 2020 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Summer 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 757,235 | 758,755 | 749,390 | 786,815 | 842,595 |
| English language | 746,705 | 729,605 | 719,790 | 754,910 | 807,785 |
| English literature | 561,315 | 572,765 | 582,680 | 601,945 | 623,610 |
| Combined science | 820,270 | 840,955 | 854,450 | 881,925 | 926,780 |
| Biology | 166,635 | 171,835 | 174,605 | 180,125 | 183,370 |
| Chemistry | 159,760 | 165,710 | 167,190 | 173,530 | 174,750 |
| Physics | 158,395 | 164,330 | 166,550 | 172,725 | 174,745 |
| Computing | 76,180 | 77,245 | 79,135 | 88,530 | 93,985 |
| Geography | 256,805 | 268,180 | 279,205 | 283,020 | 287,610 |
| History | 275,910 | 278,880 | 278,750 | 298,155 | 312,415 |
| French | 125,770 | 125,655 | 126,185 | 126,560 | 130,650 |
| German | 41,320 | 37,035 | 36,000 | 33,945 | 35,110 |
| Spanish | 105,840 | 109,655 | 116,355 | 121,670 | 129,940 |
| Other modern languages | 32,755 | 25,225 | 36,310 | 39,270 | 42,460 |
| Ancient languages | 12,215 | 11,860 | 11,510 | 11,290 | 11,175 |
There are some slight changes to entries by year group in 2024 compared to previous years. In all subjects most entries are from candidates in year 11, but the proportion of entries from candidates in year 10 and below (“early entries”) in other modern languages is consistently higher than in other subjects. The percentage of entries for mathematics, English language, and English literature from students in year 12 and above has increased in summer 2024 when compared with summer 2023. In these subjects, the percentages of students from year 12 and above are similar to those seen in 2020 and, for mathematics and English language, it is likely that these changes reflect returning to normal grading arrangements after changes were introduced due to the pandemic.
Table 5. Percentage of candidates by year group in EBacc subjects from summer 2020 to summer 2024
| Subject | Year group | Summer 2020 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Summer 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient languages | Year 10 and below | 9.1% | 9.0% | 8.3% | 8.7% | 7.9% |
| Ancient languages | Year 11 | 89.3% | 89.4% | 89.7% | 89.6% | 89.9% |
| Ancient languages | Year 12 and above | 1.6% | 1.6% | 2.0% | 1.7% | 2.2% |
| Biology | Year 10 and below | 0.8% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Biology | Year 11 | 96.0% | 96.5% | 96.3% | 96.6% | 96.5% |
| Biology | Year 12 and above | 3.1% | 2.8% | 2.8% | 2.7% | 2.9% |
| Chemistry | Year 10 and below | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Chemistry | Year 11 | 97.9% | 98.1% | 98.0% | 97.8% | 97.8% |
| Chemistry | Year 12 and above | 1.5% | 1.3% | 1.4% | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| Combined science | Year 10 and below | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Combined science | Year 11 | 98.7% | 98.7% | 98.9% | 98.8% | 98.7% |
| Combined science | Year 12 and above | 1.3% | 1.1% | 1.0% | 1.1% | 1.3% |
| Computing | Year 10 and below | 1.9% | 1.5% | 1.7% | 1.3% | 0.9% |
| Computing | Year 11 | 97.2% | 97.6% | 97.4% | 97.6% | 97.8% |
| Computing | Year 12 and above | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 1.2% | 1.2% |
| English language | Year 10 and below | 1.0% | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| English language | Year 11 | 76.0% | 79.6% | 82.5% | 81.4% | 79.1% |
| English language | Year 12 and above | 23.0% | 19.7% | 16.6% | 18.0% | 20.5% |
| English literature | Year 10 and below | 4.4% | 3.7% | 2.9% | 2.2% | 1.6% |
| English literature | Year 11 | 94.9% | 95.7% | 96.5% | 97.1% | 97.7% |
| English literature | Year 12 and above | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.8% |
| French | Year 10 and below | 2.0% | 1.7% | 2.1% | 1.8% | 1.7% |
| French | Year 11 | 97.4% | 97.8% | 97.4% | 97.7% | 97.8% |
| French | Year 12 and above | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Geography | Year 10 and below | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.3% |
| Geography | Year 11 | 98.6% | 98.7% | 98.9% | 98.9% | 98.8% |
| Geography | Year 12 and above | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.8% | 0.9% |
| German | Year 10 and below | 2.2% | 1.5% | 2.2% | 2.4% | 2.3% |
| German | Year 11 | 97.2% | 98.1% | 97.3% | 97.2% | 97.1% |
| German | Year 12 and above | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| History | Year 10 and below | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| History | Year 11 | 98.6% | 98.9% | 99.0% | 99.0% | 99.0% |
| History | Year 12 and above | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Mathematics | Year 10 and below | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% |
| Mathematics | Year 11 | 75.2% | 76.7% | 79.1% | 77.6% | 75.3% |
| Mathematics | Year 12 and above | 24.5% | 23.0% | 20.6% | 22.1% | 24.4% |
| Other modern languages | Year 10 and below | 34.9% | 23.8% | 31.5% | 35.8% | 37.2% |
| Other modern languages | Year 11 | 60.5% | 71.6% | 63.7% | 59.6% | 58.6% |
| Other modern languages | Year 12 and above | 4.6% | 4.6% | 4.8% | 4.6% | 4.2% |
| Physics | Year 10 and below | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Physics | Year 11 | 98.3% | 98.5% | 98.5% | 98.2% | 98.0% |
| Physics | Year 12 and above | 1.2% | 1.0% | 1.1% | 1.4% | 1.5% |
| Spanish | Year 10 and below | 3.2% | 2.0% | 2.9% | 2.8% | 2.6% |
| Spanish | Year 11 | 96.0% | 97.4% | 96.5% | 96.6% | 96.8% |
| Spanish | Year 12 and above | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
2.3 Change from previous year in GCSE entries for non-EBacc subjects
The overall entry for non-EBacc subjects has increased by 4.6% from 989,430 in summer 2023 to 1,034,805 in summer 2024. This mirrors the increase in the number of 16 year olds in the population between the 2 years.
Table 6. Percentage change in non-EBacc entries in summer 2024 compared to summer 2023
| Subject grouping | Entries in Summer 2023 | Entries in Summer 2024 | Percentage change in entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious studies | 245,385 | 248,120 | 1.1% |
| Art and design subjects | 187,710 | 197,505 | 5.2% |
| Business studies | 114,525 | 127,310 | 11.2% |
| Design and technology | 79,025 | 80,580 | 2.0% |
| Physical education | 74,550 | 77,905 | 4.5% |
| Food preparation and nutrition | 53,380 | 56,265 | 5.4% |
| Social science subjects | 49,270 | 52,360 | 6.3% |
| Drama | 49,825 | 49,410 | -0.8% |
| Media / film / TV studies | 32,905 | 33,910 | 3.0% |
| Music | 30,115 | 32,615 | 8.3% |
| Statistics | 26,785 | 32,210 | 20.3% |
| Citizenship studies | 22,410 | 21,535 | -3.9% |
| Economics | 7,205 | 7,760 | 7.7% |
| Performing / expressive arts | 6,890 | 6,675 | -3.1% |
| Classical subjects | 4,480 | 5,005 | 11.7% |
| Engineering | 2,490 | 2,925 | 17.4% |
| Other sciences | 2,465 | 2,730 | 10.6% |
| Total | 989,430 | 1,034,805 | 4.6% |
Most non-EBacc subjects had an increase in entries. The largest percentage increase was in statistics (20.3%). There was a decrease in entries in performing/ expressive arts (-3.1%) and citizenship studies (-3.9%).
2.4 Entries for tiered GCSEs
In some subjects, there are 2 tiers of entry: foundation and higher. Entry by tier has remained broadly similar in most tiered subjects in summer 2024 compared with summer 2023. There has been a slight decrease in the percentage of students entering higher tier across all subjects in 2024 when compared with the previous 5 years.
Table 7. Percentage of entries for higher tier from summer 2020 to summer 2024
| Subject | Summer 2020 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Summer 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 85% | 88% | 86% | 85% | 84% |
| Chemistry | 87% | 89% | 86% | 86% | 85% |
| Combined science | 38% | 41% | 40% | 40% | 37% |
| French | 52% | 56% | 53% | 52% | 48% |
| German | 60% | 64% | 62% | 61% | 57% |
| Mathematics | 41% | 43% | 43% | 43% | 41% |
| Physics | 87% | 90% | 88% | 87% | 85% |
| Spanish | 53% | 57% | 53% | 53% | 49% |
| Statistics | 56% | 61% | 58% | 53% | 48% |
3. AS and A level entries
The overall entries for A level have increased by 2.4% from 806,410 in summer 2023 to 825,390 in summer 2024. This is likely to be partially explained by a 1.2% increase in the size of the population of those aged 18, which increased from 648,066 in 2023 (according to ONS population estimates in 2021) to 655,635 in 2024 (according to ONS population estimates in 2022).
The overall entries for AS have decreased by 4.5% from 62,785 in summer 2023 to 59,935 in summer 2024. AS level entries have significantly decreased in previous years following the decoupling of AS and A levels.
Table 8. AS and A level entries from summer 2020 to summer 2024
| Qualification | Summer 2020 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Summer 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS | 86,970 | 58,300 | 64,080 | 62,785 | 59,935 |
| A level | 731,855 | 756,230 | 788,125 | 806,410 | 825,390 |
| Total | 818,825 | 814,525 | 852,200 | 869,195 | 885,325 |
3.1 A level entries
Most A level subjects increased in entry size in summer 2024 compared with summer 2023. Further mathematics showed the biggest overall percentage increase (19.8%) in summer 2024 compared with summer 2023. The subjects with the largest percentage decrease in summer 2024 when compared with summer 2023 are drama (-5.8%) and sociology (-6.9%).
Please note that entries in ‘other subjects’ is the combination of subjects with fewer than 2,000 entries as well as those grouped as ‘all other subjects’ by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) for the purposes of results reporting.
Table 9. Percentage change in A level entries in summer 2024 compared to summer 2023
| Subject grouping | Entries in Summer 2023 | Entries in Summer 2024 | Percentage change in entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 90,845 | 101,230 | 11.4% |
| Psychology | 78,015 | 76,130 | -2.4% |
| Biology | 68,870 | 69,045 | 0.3% |
| Chemistry | 57,620 | 58,850 | 2.1% |
| History | 44,545 | 43,410 | -2.6% |
| Sociology | 45,730 | 42,575 | -6.9% |
| Business studies | 41,265 | 41,265 | -0.0% |
| Art and design subjects | 40,930 | 40,965 | 0.1% |
| Physics | 35,815 | 40,320 | 12.6% |
| Economics | 38,325 | 39,660 | 3.5% |
| English literature | 34,000 | 36,650 | 7.8% |
| Geography | 34,870 | 33,505 | -3.9% |
| Media / film / TV studies | 21,530 | 21,245 | -1.3% |
| Political studies | 20,630 | 20,420 | -1.0% |
| Computing | 17,420 | 19,475 | 11.8% |
| Further mathematics | 14,535 | 17,420 | 19.8% |
| Religious studies | 14,900 | 14,685 | -1.5% |
| Law | 14,170 | 14,385 | 1.5% |
| English | 13,200 | 13,010 | -1.5% |
| Physical education | 12,035 | 11,815 | -1.8% |
| Other subjects | 10,130 | 10,680 | 5.5% |
| Design and technology | 9,000 | 8,985 | -0.2% |
| Drama | 8,385 | 7,895 | -5.8% |
| Spanish | 7,545 | 7,720 | 2.3% |
| English language and literature | 6,755 | 7,085 | 4.9% |
| French | 6,510 | 7,035 | 8.0% |
| Classical subjects | 5,855 | 6,380 | 9.0% |
| Other modern languages | 5,825 | 6,280 | 7.9% |
| Music | 4,945 | 5,005 | 1.3% |
| German | 2,210 | 2,280 | 3.1% |
| Total | 806,410 | 825,390 | 2.4% |
3.2 Change in A level entries over time
Entries in business studies and biology have increased each year from summer 2020 to summer 2024. Entries remain relatively stable in other high entry subjects.
Please note that according to the JCQ subject classifications, English includes English language, English literature, and English language and literature specifications. Also note that modern foreign languages contains French, German, and Spanish as they have been grouped together to allow any trends in entries to be shown.
Table 10. Entries in selected A level subjects from summer 2020 to summer 2024
| Subject | Summer 2020 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Summer 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art and design subjects | 39,145 | 39,370 | 42,100 | 40,930 | 40,965 |
| Biology | 61,130 | 63,765 | 66,220 | 68,870 | 69,045 |
| Business studies | 33,260 | 35,285 | 38,980 | 41,265 | 41,265 |
| Chemistry | 53,435 | 55,485 | 54,865 | 57,620 | 58,850 |
| English | 60,275 | 57,515 | 53,965 | 53,960 | 56,745 |
| Further mathematics | 14,475 | 14,850 | 14,520 | 14,535 | 17,420 |
| History | 41,120 | 41,585 | 42,885 | 44,545 | 43,410 |
| Mathematics | 89,730 | 90,290 | 89,605 | 90,845 | 101,230 |
| Modern foreign languages | 18,645 | 18,715 | 18,750 | 16,265 | 17,035 |
| Physics | 35,740 | 37,560 | 36,770 | 35,815 | 40,320 |
| Psychology | 63,490 | 68,315 | 76,265 | 78,015 | 76,130 |
| Sociology | 36,965 | 39,825 | 43,590 | 45,730 | 42,575 |
3.3 AS entries
AS entries in most subjects decreased in summer 2024 compared with summer 2023, although entries increased in mathematics, further mathematics and art and design subjects. The biggest percentage increase from summer 2023 to summer 2024 is in further mathematics with a 9.6% increase in entries. The biggest decrease in entries from summer 2023 to summer 2024 can be seen in psychology (-15.3%).
Please note that entries in ‘other subjects’ is the combination of subjects with fewer than 2,000 entries as well as those grouped as ‘all other subjects’ by JCQ.
Table 11. Percentage change in AS entries in summer 2024 compared to summer 2023
| Subject grouping | Entries in Summer 2023 | Entries in Summer 2024 | Percentage change in entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other subjects | 14,520 | 13,845 | -4.7% |
| Mathematics | 8,485 | 8,520 | 0.4% |
| Psychology | 6,295 | 5,330 | -15.3% |
| Further mathematics | 4,655 | 5,100 | 9.6% |
| Biology | 5,535 | 5,050 | -8.7% |
| Chemistry | 4,795 | 4,575 | -4.6% |
| Sociology | 4,785 | 4,365 | -8.8% |
| Physics | 3,435 | 3,410 | -0.7% |
| Business studies | 3,105 | 2,955 | -4.8% |
| Economics | 2,595 | 2,390 | -7.9% |
| Art and design subjects | 2,155 | 2,300 | 6.7% |
| History | 2,435 | 2,095 | -13.8% |
| Total | 62,785 | 59,935 | -4.5% |
4. Entries by centre type
For GCSEs, AS and A levels, the majority of entries are from secondary non-selective, maintained centres. Entries from Sixth form and FE centres are much higher for AS and A level subjects when compared with GCSE as would be expected for these qualifications.
Table 12. Number of entries by centre type for GCSEs, AS and A levels
| Centre Type | Number of entries at GCSE | Percentage of total entries at GCSE | Number of entries at AS | Percentage of total entries at AS | Number of entries at A level | Percentage of total entries at A level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary non-selective, maintained | 4,936,845 | 85.0% | 31,245 | 52.0% | 461,425 | 56.0% |
| Sixth Form and FE | 316,010 | 5.0% | 22,510 | 38.0% | 188,520 | 23.0% |
| Independent | 293,225 | 5.0% | 3,155 | 5.0% | 110,185 | 13.0% |
| Selective | 129,455 | 2.0% | 1,330 | 2.0% | 37,430 | 5.0% |
| Other | 136,255 | 2.0% | 1,700 | 3.0% | 27,830 | 3.0% |
5. Background information
In this report, Ofqual presents data on the number of provisional entries for GCSEs, AS and A levels in England received by exam boards for the summer 2024 series.
Schools and colleges enter students with exam boards to take these qualifications in the summer. The figures for entries can normally change up to the day of the exams. We collect provisional data at around the same time every year, at a point when it should be reasonably complete. The figures presented here are the provisional figures as received by exam boards by 18 April 2024. Final entry numbers are always expected to vary slightly from these.
In this report, all figures for the number of entries are rounded to the nearest 5.
Background information accompanying this report includes factors that may have an impact upon the entries in summer 2024, as well as information on data collected for this release and definitions of important terms used in the report.
Data tables published along with this report give provisional entry data (rounded to the nearest 5) for different subjects broken down by year group for GCSEs, AS and A levels.
6. User feedback
We welcome your feedback on publications. Should you have any comments on this statistical release and how to improve it to meet your needs please contact us at data.analytics@ofqual.gov.uk.
Lead Analyst: Dovile Rama