More Growth for A Level Economics But is AS on the Way Out?

The latest exam entry data from Ofqual suggests continued growth in the popularity of A Level Economics. However, AS Economics is rapidly being abandoned by centres and it's hard to imagine it still being around for long.

Entries for A Level Economics (Year 13) grew again in 2017, this time by 1,050 candidates (3.7%) continuing the consistent trend of recent years.

However entries for the decoupled AS Economics fell sharply by 23,250 (60%), broadly in line with the experience of other reformed A Level subjects.

Amongst the factors being cited by centres for abandoning AS entries are:

• Schools opting for a genuinely two-year linear approach (relying on internal end of Yr12 assessment)
• The need to significantly cut costs (AS entries are a big drain on centre funds)
• Centres encouraging students to take three, not four subjects from the start of Year 12