Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to increase the uptake of physics and chemistry at A-level.

The number of pupils studying physics at A-level has increased by 16% since 2010. The number of pupils studying chemistry has increased by 18% since 2010. These are important subjects for a dynamic and productive economy fit for the future.

In 2016, the Department introduced more rigorous and challenging science GCSEs which will provide students with better foundations to study science at A level. The Government funds a number of programmes that improve the quality of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teaching in primary and secondary schools. These include the national network of Science Learning Partnerships, Project Enthuse bursaries, and the Stimulating Physics Network. The Department also funds Isaac Physics, which provides online support for A level physics students and their teachers.

The Department is following various avenues for raising awareness amongst children of the range of careers that science qualifications offer. This includes the STEM Ambassadors programme, a nationwide network of over 30,000 volunteers, drawn from a wide range of employers, who work with schools and non-school organisations across the UK.