Increasing GCSE numbers show geography's relevance to young

Geography GCSE results published this morning by the Joint Council for Qualifications are a recognition of geography’s importance as the subject providing young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to start tackling real world challenges, including climate change.

297,111 students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland sat GCSE geography examinations this year, an increase of 1.4% on last year and up 12% since 2019 (293,319 in 2023, 289,351 in 2022, and 265,169 in 2019). Geography retains its place as the GCSE subject with the sixth highest number of entries. The sustained growth in numbers of students sitting their GCSE in geography demonstrates how young people increasingly recognise its importance to their futures.

The Royal Geographical Society’s Vice President for Education, Alan Parkinson, said: “Congratulations to all the students receiving their GCSE geography results today, and thank you to all their teachers, parents and carers who have encouraged and supported them.

“Geography is the subject that connects the science of how our climate is changing with an analysis of how we need to respond, through mitigation and adaptation, to these changes. We need more climate-aware young people who take what they have learned into the workforce, recognise the impact of their own lifestyles, and are able to solve current and future real-world problems - geographers in other words.

“Those receiving their GCSE geography results today will already have recognised the relevance and importance of the subject and hopefully will be considering taking their studies further. The Society is looking ahead to the government’s curriculum and assessment review and the opportunity this provides to embed climate change in the geography curriculum at Key Stage 3 and to update and strengthen the GCSE specifications, thus ensuring that all students are introduced to robust climate change knowledge alongside humanity’s potential for collaborative action in challenging times.”

The Society provides support to teachers and offers resources to students to support them in their studies, including careers information and guidance for choosing geography at school and beyond.