Geography remains sixth-most popular subject as GCSE results released
Results released by the Joint Council for Qualifications this morning, Thursday 20 August, revealed that 299,306 students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland sat geography GCSE exams this year, making geography the sixth most popular subject.
This year’s figure is a slight decrease (1.1%) from last year’s total of 302,706. However, total entries have trended upwards by 13% since 2019, highlighting students’ recognition of the value of geography in addressing the urgent climate and humanitarian issues facing the world, and the applicability of geographical skills to careers in a wide variety of sectors including the built environment, finance, governance, clean energy, and more.
The Society's Director, Professor Joe Smith, said:
“I congratulate every student receiving their geography GCSE results today, as well as the teachers, parents, carers and families that have helped them reach this milestone. The strong uptake of geography GCSEs in recent years highlights young people’s recognition of the value of developing geographical skills in today’s society.
“Those who study geography are equipped with a strong knowledge of the many forces shaping our world’s people, places, environments and economies, as well as skills applicable to jobs in a broad range of sectors. Whatever their next steps, we encourage every student receiving their results to continue studying and using geography, at A Level or in their professional lives, and to keep thinking like a geographer.”
The Society offers a wide range of support, events, training and resources on geographical education, fieldwork and careers, accessible to both members and non-members on our Choose Geography homepage.
As part of its mission to support the next generation of geographers, the Society is revamping its Student Membership offer, which will be available for free to all students (GCSE to undergraduate) interested in geography, from 1 September.
Student Members can access study support and resources, community and networking events, as well as practical guidance, events and webinars on securing work experience, the university application process, and exploring geographical careers in a variety of sectors. Those interested can learn more on our website.