What A level mathematicians want next – new insights on why more are choosing degree apprenticeships
As today's A level results land, thousands of mathematics students have already spent time weighing up what comes next — university, apprenticeship, or straight into work.
In our survey of Year 13 A level Mathematics students, 11% of students intend to pursue a degree apprenticeship, compared with 7% who plan to study mathematics as an undergraduate degree.
Among students intending to enter work or begin a degree apprenticeship, financial considerations were the strongest influences on their decision. Nearly nine in ten (88%) said that starting to earn an income was an important motivation, while more than four in five (82%) wanted to avoid the cost of university.
The survey also highlighted opportunities for university mathematics departments. Among students intending to study another degree subject, almost half (48%) said they would be more likely to choose a mathematics degree if there were more degree options, such as joint degrees with other subjects. Meanwhile 19% said that having a university close enough to travel to from home would make them more likely to study mathematics.
What do these choices tell us about the future of university mathematics?
These findings come at a challenging time for higher education. Mathematics departments are facing significant pressures with closures creating ‘maths deserts’ in higher education. At the same time, our evidence suggests there remains strong interest in studying mathematics among many young people, provided courses meet the needs and aspirations they have for today, as well as for the future.
This is why understanding students' aspirations matters. The success of A level Mathematics means there is a growing pool of mathematically talented young people, crucial for the future of our national economy. The challenge is understanding how that talent can continue to be developed beyond 18 and where students see mathematics fitting into their education and employment futures.
Supporting the next generation of mathematical talent
The Campaign for Mathematical Sciences is working to strengthen the future of the mathematical sciences through its Maths Degrees for the Future . And at the Observatory for Mathematical Education, we are contributing to this evidence base through bespoke evaluations and our ongoing cohort studies, helping to build a clearer picture of the choices and motivations of students.
Our survey findings are just one part of a much broader story. We’ve spent two years tracking these students through their A levels – including surveying their teachers and parents – to develop a comprehensive picture of what it’s like to study advanced maths in England.
Our forthcoming Review of Mathematical Education (RoME) 2026 will be published in two months' time. This will provide further evidence on the aspirations, experiences and outcomes of learners across the mathematics education system. We look forward to sharing more of those insights soon.