The number of pupils gaining top results in Religious Education (RE) at A-level fell this year, bucking the national trend where the proportion of high marks awarded rose for the first time in six years.
Today (17 August) published national results of 2017’s exams show that in the bulk of subjects the proportion of A and A* grades awarded went up to 26.3 per cent, a rise of half a percentage point compared with 2016. But for RE pupils, the proportion of high marks did not rise, with 23.5 per cent gaining an A or A* grade compared to 26.3 per cent on average.
And whereas the general picture showed boys outperforming girls among the top grades, in RE girls did better than boys for the first time in three years.
The proportion of boys gaining an A* in RE dropped significantly from 5.7 per cent in 2016 to 5.0 per cent.
The number of pupils taking RE fell by four per cent on 2016.
Addressing the decrease in numbers, Daniel Hugill, chair of NATRE pointed out that numbers taking the subject were still more than double that of the 11,132 entries recorded in 2003.
He said RE A-level is "excellent preparation" for further study and the world of work.
"Congratulations to the many students receiving their Religious Studies results today. Their results are the product of their hard work grappling with some of the most difficult questions to ever puzzle humankind," he said.
"The subject matter and approach of an RS A-level helps to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to succeed in modern Britain."
PICTURE: Students celebrate after collecting their A-level results at Harris Westminster Sixth Form in central London
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