Following the publication of results from the summer 2024 GCSE examination series, we reviewed trends in subject entries and results. This document examines trends in sciences:

Firstly, the trend in subject entries since 2021 is shown in the figure below. The plot is interactive. Click on items in the legend to add or remove them from the visible plot. Double click to view only one line:

Science is a core subject at GCSE, however, the GCSE awarded depends on the student’s ability and provision available within the school. Most students sit a Combined Science GCSE. This sees them complete six modules, two apiece for biology, chemistry and physics. For completing this GCSE, the student receives two GCSE’s representing their performance in all three sciences. For this reason, the count for Combined Science above effectively represents two times the number of students who took this subject.

Many schools offer their students the opportunity to study individual sciences. This sees them complete an additional module in that subject in addition to the two studied in combined science. The result of this is an individual GCSE in biology, chemistry, or physics. Many students choose to study triple science, so are awarded independent GCSE’s in each. This subject is often restricted to the most able students.

Changing pass rates:

The table below shows is how the proportion of awarded grades has changed since 2023. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exams, results from 2020 to 2022 are not comparable. 2023 saw the proportion of passing grades awarded return to close to the level seen in 2019:

Subject Grade 7 or higher awarded, 2023 (%) Grade 7 or higher awarded, 2024 (%) Grade 4 or higher awarded, 2023 (%) Grade 4 or higher awarded, 2024 (%)
Biology 42.4 42.2 89.6 89.3
Chemistry 44.0 44.9 89.8 90.5
Physics 43.4 44.2 90.2 90.3
Combined Science 8.9 9.1 57.1 57.3

Data used in this report sourced from the Joint Council for Qualifications- https://www.jcq.org.uk/