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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Guardian readers

Tell us what's driving the drop in take-up of English A-level

a pupil writing
Urgent action is needed to address a sharp drop in the take-up of A-level English, the head of a school leaders’ union has urged. Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA

Once a popular subject choice for sixth formers, schools are now seeing a sharp drop in the take-up of English literature and language at A-level.

This year, entries for all types of English A-level fell by 13%, sparking an outcry from authors and teachers that pupils have been put off studying the subject at a higher level.

Some blame the recently reformed English GCSEs for “sucking the joy” out of the subject, while others suggest the push for vocational secondary education is stopping people from choosing it.

We want to hear from students, educators, parents/guardians about why you think fewer people are studying English at A-level. Have changes to the English GCSE exams put people off? Has the focus on STEM subjects moved students away from literature and arts?

Share your experiences

Tell us why you or your students decided against studying English at A-Level in the from below. We want to hear from readers about what’s causing the dwindling popularity of the subject. One of our journalists may be in touch to discuss further.

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