Church Ecstatic as Religious Studies A-Level Entries Increase to New Levels

Religious Studies in the UK has this year become the A-Level subject with the largest increase in entries, according to the 2005 A Level entry and results data published this week by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

The Church of England’s Chief Education Officer, Canon John Hall said, “This is really excellent news. A 16.9%increase in the number of students taking RS A-level this year makes it the top subject (in increase terms) for the second year running. Last year it was 13.8%.”

Joining in the celebrations of this joyful news, Religious Education Consultant to the Archbishops’ Council’s Education Division, Rev John Gay said, “This is splendid news. Not only are A-Levels up by 16.9%, but AS numbers have also increased by 5.2% to 21,121. These figures reflect a growing recognition among young people that an understanding of the religious and spiritual dimension of life is interesting, challenging and increasingly relevant in today's global society. Indeed, RE has a vital role to play in developing a cohesive and stable society in this country.”

Rev Gay continued by saying, “This most welcome increase in the number of A level RS students, coupled with the massive recent growth in GCSE take-up rates (now over half of all pupils), highlights the need to have even more inspirational specialist teachers who can meet the expectations of their pupils.”

The Director of JCQ, Dr Ellie Johnson Searle also spoke as the A-Level entry and results data was released, saying, “The rise in entries for religious . . . studies is significant at a time when Britain increasingly needs young people to understand the complexities of our faith communities . . . As a subject choice at A level, Religious Studies is evidencing a good retention rate, building upon increased entries last year at GCSE and AS level.”

Among the top five subject increases for Advanced Extension Awards, the JCQ has announced that Religious Studies had a “noteworthy” development, with 171 entries in the years 2005, rising dramatically from 118 in 2004.