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Arts GCSE entries 2010 to 2015

03 September 2015

Patterns in GCSE entries 2010 to 2015

Over the last 5 years there has been a decline of 14% in the number of arts GCSE entries from 720,438 in 2010, to 618,440 in 2015.

The number of pupils in year 11 (the year most students take GCSEs) fluctuates each year. In 2010 it was 565,660 and in 2015 it was 544,013, or a fall of 4%.

Art & Design and Music saw a slight recovery in 2015 compared to 2014, however the numbers in all subjects but Art & Design are still below 2010 levels and continue to cause concern.

Arts subjects 2010 2015 % change 2010 to 2015
Art and Design subjects 188193 194637 3%
Design and Technology 287701 204788 -29%
Drama 87336 75889 -13%
Media/Fim/TV Studies 67764 62452 -8%
Music 51272 48184 -6%
Performing/Expressive Arts 22288 20625 -7%
Dance/Performing Arts 15884 11865 -25%
Total 720438 618440 -14%

GCSE entries in Arts subjects 2010 to 2015

As a comparison the EBacc subjects of Geography and History have seen rises of 17% and 12% respectively in their entries since 2010.

 

 

All numbers from the Joint Council for qualifications annual results tables.

Student cohort numbers are from the Department for Education Schools, pupils and their characteristics statistical releases.

 

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