CBI responds to A-Level results day

John Cope, CBI Head of Education and Skills policy, said:

“This year’s A-Level results paint a mixed picture.  Firms will be reassured by the rise in science subjects - especially among women - and that uptake in modern foreign languages has held. There will be concern however amongst companies about the decline in English and Maths entries.”

On the slight increase in digital subjects, John said:

“We are starting to see a long overdue increase in uptake of digital qualifications, such as computing. With only 31% of firms confident they will be able to access the digital skills they need in the next three to five years, we need to keep up this momentum.”

On modern foreign languages, John said:

“To meet the Government’s vision of ‘Global Britain’, uptake of modern foreign languages must increase, or the UK will be left behind.

“While entries have held, this isn’t good enough. The Government has rightly recognised this by establishing centres of excellence to promote foreign languages. The next step must be to address the shortage of language teachers across the country.

On the closing gender gap in science John said:

“Historically as a country we have failed to close the gap between boys and girls taking science. Firms will be delighted to see that gap close, with more girls taking up science subjects and performing well.”