GCSE geography’s popularity continues to increase

The 2015 GCSE results, published today by the Joint Council for Qualifications, show 228075 students sat a geography GCSE in England, Wales and NI (211721 England). The subject is the eighth most popular at GCSE level.

The increase continues the upwards trend at GCSE in 2013 and 2014; a trend which A level is mirroring in 2015, two years later.

Commenting on the sustained growth in popularity of geography at GCSE level, the Director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Dr Rita Gardner CBE, said:

“The Society would like to congratulate all the students who received their GCSE geography results today.

“The sustained growth in popularity of GCSE geography over recent years is due to the subject’s relevance to students’ lives and its value to further study and the world of work. It also reflects the hard work of students and their teachers. Geography is benefitting from its position as an Ebacc subject and growing recognition of the specialist understanding and skills it equips students with as one of the few subjects that embraces both the natural and social sciences.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For further media enquiries, please contact RGS-IBG’s Communications and Media Officer, Scott Edwards, at s.edwards@rgs.org or 020 7591 3019.

2. The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830 for 'the advancement of geographical science', today we deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public engagement, and geography input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer’ www.rgs.org