The number of Religious Studies A-level exam entries has
increased 9.3 percent year on year. The subject outperformed
other A-level subjects as a whole, which increased by 5.1
percent, with a greater increase than most other humanities
subjects.
17,149 RS A-level entries were recorded in England and Wales this
year, compared with 15,692 in 2020. Geography and History saw
increases of 16.5 percent and 1.5 percent respectively. The
overall number of A-Level entries in England and Wales increased
this year by 5.1 percent from 750,173 in 2020 to 788,421 in 2021.
The Religious Studies results reverse the decline of 11.5% in
2020, where many other subjects saw significant falls in the
number of entries, including Geography (down 16.2%) and History
(down 15.1%). Last year’s reduction reflected a smaller cohort of
18-year-olds and changes to the assessment of A level and AS
examinations that had an effect in 2018, when the majority of
schools changed their policies to recommending three A-levels,
versus four in previous years.
The key outcomes of the 2021 A-level results in England and Wales
for Religious Education are as follows:
- 17,149 RS A-level entries were recorded, an increase of 9.3
percent on 2020.
- There were 54.1 percent more entries than in 2003 (11,132
entries were recorded in 2003).
- The 9.3 percent increase in entries for RS is greater than
some other subjects such as History (up 1.5 percent) and
Political Studies (up 5.1 percent).
- The increase of 54.1 percent in the number of entries for RS
A-level since 2003 is greater than equivalent changes over the
same period for subjects such as Geography (down 0.9 percent),
Law (up 9.4 percent), and History (up 8.7 percent).
- Among arts, humanity, or social science subjects, only
Sociology (up 74.8 percent), Economics (up 92.8 percent) and
Political Studies (up 100.2 percent) have seen stronger growth
since 2003.
This year’s increase, and the long-term trend in entries suggest
that candidates continue to recognise the value of RS A-level for
Higher Education entry, graduate employment, and as an essential
life skill.
Professor Trevor Cooling, Chair, Religious Education Council of
England and Wales (REC), said:
““Religious Studies has maintained its popularity over the past
two decades at A Level, where students have a greater say in
their subject choice compared with GCSE when RS may not be
offered as an examination course. Young people clearly value the
importance of extending their knowledge and understanding of
religious and non-religious worldviews at A-level and continue to
vote with their feet.
“The Government should recognise the essential role that RS plays
in ensuring young people receive a balanced education, helping
create a more cohesive society, and supporting a vibrant economy
by preparing employees and future business leaders for the
globalised workplace. We urge it to fund a National Plan for RE
to ensure it is properly resourced and taught by professionally
trained teachers, and to enact a statement of entitlement to a
high-quality education in Religion and Worldviews for all
pupils.”
Katie Freeman, Chair, National Association of Teachers of RE
(NATRE), said:
“Many congratulations to all those students receiving their
A-level Religious Studies results today. Although once again the
method of grade assessments has been affected by the unusual
circumstances, the true value of today’s results will be
reflected in the knowledge, understanding, and skills that pupils
take with them in future life.
“Everyone has a unique, personal view of the world, whether it is
religious or non-religious and the enormous variety and
complexity of worldviews that exist today need skilful
navigation. RS helps young people understand those worldviews and
make sense of their own, giving them the valuable ability to
succeed and thrive in social and professional situations.
“Future Government and school policy must reflect the vital
nature of the subject. We must afford RE greater protection and
ensure that it remains a staple element of the school
curriculum.”
Case studies: Why students choose Religious
Studies
Students from Kings Norton Sixth Form in Birmingham who had
completed Religious Studies at A-level were asked about their
experiences of studying the subject.
Isabel Keetley, also from the Birmingham sixth form, said: “The
RS course was my favourite A Level subject. I particularly
enjoyed the ethics side and applying different ideas to modern
day situations. I found that it helped me shape my own opinions
about key issues, both religious and modern ideas. The course
inspired me to choose Philosophy and Ethics to study at
university.”
