Report reveals 'glaring inconsistency' in take up of Stem A-levels

The North East, East of England, and South East have the lowest take-up, according to report

There is a glaring inconsistency in the take up of Stem subjects at A-level across the country, according to a new report.

The ‘cold spots’ report from The Careers & Enterprise Company identifies the North East, East of England, South East, and parts of North West as having the lowest take-up of A-level Stem subjects.

Specifically, Humber, Northamptonshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have 13% lower participation in Stem than Buckinghamshire Thames Valley, where 39% of all A-levels taken are Stem.

Claudia Harris, chief executive of the Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Our report shows there is inconsistency in the take up of Stem subjects with lasting implications for the health and growth of the economy. The country is facing a shortfall in the number of Stem workers available to fill vacancies, and with fewer young people taking up Stem subjects in school, this shortage is set to worsen. We need to inspire young people to pursue Stem, and this can only be achieved by improving the connection between employers and schools and colleges.”

To address this issue, The Careers & Enterprise Company has created the Enterprise Adviser (EA) network which will span the country, and today announces its Coast to Capital region launch, covering Brighton up to London.

The EA network will bring together senior business volunteers and schools to inspire young people about their future careers and the skills needed to realise the opportunities ahead. Its ambition is to give every school in the country its own adviser to galvanise local programmes and employers, and make it simpler for them to engage with schools. They are supported by Enterprise Coordinators who work with clusters of 20 schools to give them access to the best local employers and programmes, such as inspirational speakers and CV workshops.