Industry News
Increase in maths A-levels
Posted on 16th August 2007
There were definite increases in the number of students opting for maths at A-level, it was announced today as results were issued.
Numbers of students taking the exams increased by 7.3 per cent for maths and 8.3 per cent for further maths.
Chemistry and physics showed small signs of growing numbers with minor increases, however biology numbers dropped.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said an increase in maths students was "heartening" but warned the "long-term decline" has not been resolved.
Richard Lambert, CBI director-general, said: "Both maths and chemistry have rallied from their low points in recent years, but neither is seeing the interest they enjoyed less than a decade ago."
He added businesses were worried about a growing skill shortage as the amount of children studying sciences was "little more than flat lining".
The CBI is a lobbying organisation for British businesses. It works with government policy-makers to help UK organisations compete.