2025 results days show steady but slight progress

This year’s results show a continued positive trend in girls’ participation across STEM subjects — but progress is still slow, especially in areas where students have more choice. At GCSE level, subjects like Maths and the Sciences are mandatory, which helps maintain a fairly balanced gender split. But when it comes to optional subjects — both at GCSE and A level — we still see girls steering away from hands-on and technical disciplines like Engineering, Construction, and Design & Technology.

While more girls are engaging with STEM overall, the pace of change isn’t fast enough — and it doesn’t always lead to more women entering STEM careers. That raises an important question: what does this mean for the future of the STEM sector?

Impacts on the future pipeline of talent

The subjects young people choose at GCSE and A level often shape what they do next — whether that’s further study, training, or work. These choices build the future talent pool. Right now, we’re still seeing gaps in key areas, so without more girls choosing STEM — especially the hands-on and technical subjects — we risk widening the skills gap in industries that need diverse talent to bring fresh perspectives and important skill sets. A more diverse STEM workforce means more innovation, better problem-solving, and a stronger, more resilient future.

Sticking to traditional paths

Girls continue to favour A levels, with over 70,000 more entries than boys this year. This may suggest that boys are more likely to pursue alternative educational routes, favouring more vocational pathways such as apprenticeships and T-levels.

This highlights the need for more women role models to demonstrate the variety of paths available, especially for girls who thrive outside of exam-based learning or would prefer more hands-on practical experience.

However, the picture becomes more complex when we look at subject performance. This year, top grades (A*-A) for girls declined in subjects where boys have historically outperformed:

Chemistry: 30.3% down from 31.5% in 2024
Mathematics: 40.2% down from 41.2% in 2024
Further Mathematics: 56.2% down from 57.2% in 2024
Physics: 30.8% down from 31.7% in 2024

This raises important questions; why are top grades declining for girls in these subjects? Is it due to exam pressure, lack of tailored support, or systemic barriers in how these subjects are taught and assessed?

To support all learners and pathways, we must ensure that every educational route is equally valued and accessible to girls and boys.

We need to close the confidence gap

The confidence gap is real, and it remains a significant barrier for girls when considering a STEM subject. This year’s results show that female entrants have continued to outperform their male peers in several subjects, most notably the ones with the lowest female representation:

Computing: 28% achieved A* or A vs 24.5% for boys
Design and technology: 25.5% achieved A* or A vs 16.2% for boys
Digital technology: 31.2% achieved A* or A vs 22.7% for boys
Environmental science: 16.9% achieved A* or A vs 11.2% for boys

These figures suggest that girls may only choose to participate in subjects where they feel confident, they will excel. This could explain both the low representation and the high achievement. This self-selecting behaviour is a symptom of the confidence gap—and it’s something we urgently need to address.

This is further enhanced by the GCSE results where girls outperform boys across most mandated STEM subjects. This suggests that girls have the capability to excel in STEM subjects but opt not to study them when given the choice.

You can read more about the confidence gap in this resource create by the WISE Young Professionals Board.

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reprioritising

Generation Z are already in the workforce and Gen Alpha are close behind. Research shows¹ that 54% of Gen Z value meaningful work – which may explain the increased interest in subjects such as Environmental Science A level. These generations care deeply about equity, inclusion, and wellbeing, and that’s shaping their subject, and ultimately career, choices.

With rapid technological developments and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), skills and knowledge within STEM subjects is more important than ever and opens exciting new career paths that didn’t previously exist.

You can read more about Gen Z in our recent Why equity, diversity and inclusion matter business case¹.

Let’s take action

So, what can we do to address the challenges and support the opportunities?

Early intervention and normalise academic risk

Supporting young people starts with early intervention such as mentoring and inclusive teaching practices where girls feel safe to take academic risks. Celebrating failure as part of growth builds resilience and confidence, especially in subjects where girls are underrepresented.

Showcase diverse role models, pathways and opportunities

To broaden understanding and engagement with STEM, we need to connect young people with the sector. My Skills My Life, WISE’s unique outreach resource was designed to do just that. It features real-life women role models to share their exciting career opportunities, helping young people connect with real professionals to make STEM careers feel relatable and achievable.

Celebrating diverse role models highlights a variety of paths into STEM to show your career journey doesn’t have to be a straight line. It also opens young people’s eyes to the breadth and depth of the STEM sector and the impact they can have.

You can make a difference by:

Championing role models within the STEM sector.
Having conversations with young people about the excitement and rewards of working in STEM.
Being that inspiration—don’t underestimate the power of your story to spark someone else’s journey

Work with WISE

Our purpose is to enable the STEM sector to create workplaces where women are fully represented, supported and empowered to thrive. We believe in the power of collaboration to ensure STEM is an inclusive and representative sector for all. It’s key that the STEM sector is equipped to support the current workforce, as well as future generations of talent.

Find out more about how you can

We believe when diversity of thought is embraced, innovation thrives, and we can bridge the skills gap to drive progress across the sector.

The data

You can read more about the 2025 A level results and GCSE results in our statistics write-up. Here you’ll find key headlines and specific data around the number of female and male entries for core-STEM A level and GCSE subjects this year.