Increase in GCSE numbers highlights growing awareness of geography's importance

This year’s figure represents an increase of 1.8%, or 5,295, on last year, underscoring the growing appeal of geography to today’s students. The overall number of students sitting geography GCSE exams has grown for 14 consecutive years and by 14.2% since 2019, with students increasingly drawn to geography’s multifaceted field of study, its importance in addressing urgent issues like climate change, and the educational, personal and professional skills it imparts.

The Society's Director, Professor Joe Smith, said:

“I congratulate all the students receiving their geography GCSE results today, as well as the teachers, parents, carers, families, and friends who have supported their education so far. The continued year-on-year growth in geography GCSE entries speaks to the increasing awareness of geography’s relevance to the most critical challenges facing our world today.

“Geographical knowledge and skills are applicable across a broad range of topics students will encounter in their school and professional careers, shaping how we can address issues as diverse as climate change, economic inequality, migration, conflict, and so much more. We encourage students receiving their results today to keep studying geography at A Level, and to continue looking for opportunities to use the geographical thinking they’ve learned in their GCSE in their personal and professional lives.”

The Society offers support, training, and resources on geographical research, fieldwork and lesson guides created by experts for geography teachers, and provides students with information about the wide range of geographical careers available and advice on choosing geography for further studies.

Geography students may also be interested in a Society Student Membership, which provides access to our programme of Member-only events, Monday night lectures, learning resources and Member discounts.