Is the number of first-class degrees cause for concern: Update

Cambridge students celebrate their graduation this year. Photograph: Geoffrey Robinson/Rex Features

Update: 16 January

Just wanted to update this blog with new data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), as promised.

I asked HESA which undergraduate degree subjects awarded the most – and least – firsts in 2006-07 and 2010-11.

Interestingly, mathematical sciences awarded the most firsts in 2006-07 and 2010-11. In 2006-07, 28.9% of those taking the subject gained a first. In 2010-11, 30% of those taking the subject were awarded a first.

Students of law are least likely to gain a first, it seems. In 2006-07, 5.8% did. In 2010-11, 8.1% did.