A Level Subject Gender Gap Calculator
How does your choice compare?
See how popular subjects compare to national trends for girls in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2025)
Your Choice Compared
Why this subject is popular with girls
Based on national data (2025): These subjects focus on analysis, communication, and understanding people rather than memorization.
In 2025, the most common A Level subject chosen by girls in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland was Psychology. It wasn’t even close. Over 42,000 female students took it that year, making it the single most popular subject among girls across all A Level options. That’s more than double the number who took Physics and nearly 10,000 more than those who chose Biology.
Why Psychology Keeps Winning
Psychology isn’t just popular-it’s accessible. Unlike subjects that require heavy math or lab work, Psychology blends science with real-life stories. Students learn about memory, mental health, relationships, and why people act the way they do. It feels personal. Many girls say they picked it because they wanted to understand themselves and others better.
It also doesn’t lock them into a narrow path. Psychology opens doors to careers in counseling, education, marketing, human resources, and even law. Universities see it as a solid foundation for social sciences, and it’s rarely seen as a "soft" subject anymore. In fact, top universities like UCL and the University of Edinburgh now list it as a preferred subject for psychology, sociology, and even business degrees.
The Bigger Picture: What Girls Are Choosing
Psychology leads, but it’s part of a clear trend. The top five A Level subjects chosen by girls in 2025 were:
- Psychology (42,150 students)
- Biology (38,920 students)
- Sociology (35,780 students)
- English Literature (33,410 students)
- Art & Design (29,850 students)
Notice anything? These subjects all involve analysis, communication, and understanding people. They’re not just about memorizing facts-they’re about interpreting behavior, culture, and language. That’s why they resonate.
Maths and Physics still have far fewer female entrants. In 2025, only 22% of A Level Maths students and 19% of Physics students were girls. That gap hasn’t changed much in ten years. But the rise of Psychology, Sociology, and Media Studies shows girls aren’t avoiding science-they’re choosing different kinds of science. One that connects to human experience.
What Schools Are Doing
Schools have noticed. Many now run targeted careers talks where former students who took Psychology talk about studying psychology at university or working as a youth worker or NHS therapist. Some schools have even redesigned their careers advice to show how subjects like Sociology or English Literature lead to jobs in media, public policy, or non-profits-roles that girls are increasingly interested in.
There’s also less pressure to pick "traditional" subjects like Chemistry just because it’s seen as "prestigious." Girls are making choices based on what they enjoy, not what they think they’re supposed to do. That shift matters. When students pick subjects they’re genuinely curious about, they do better. And they’re more likely to stick with them through university.
How This Compares to Boys
Boys still dominate Maths, Physics, and Computing. In 2025, 78% of A Level Maths entries came from boys. But the gap is narrowing in some areas. Biology, for example, is now nearly half female. And while Psychology is still 80% female, more boys are starting to take it-up 12% since 2020.
It’s not about gender roles anymore. It’s about what feels meaningful. Girls aren’t avoiding STEM-they’re expanding what STEM means to them. Psychology, for example, is a biological science. It uses stats, experiments, and peer-reviewed research. It’s just not taught like a lab-heavy physics class.
What This Means for Future Careers
The rise in Psychology and Sociology A Levels is already changing university admissions. More students are entering psychology, social work, and education degrees than ever before. The NHS is seeing a surge in applicants for mental health support roles. Marketing agencies are hiring more graduates with Sociology backgrounds because they understand consumer behavior.
And it’s not just about jobs. Students who take these subjects report higher levels of emotional intelligence and communication skills. They’re better at teamwork, conflict resolution, and understanding diverse perspectives. These aren’t "soft" skills-they’re the ones employers say they struggle to find.
Is Psychology Right for Everyone?
No. Not every girl should take Psychology just because it’s popular. If you hate reading case studies or analyzing surveys, it won’t suit you. But if you’re curious about why people lie, how trauma affects memory, or how advertising shapes choices-it’s a perfect fit.
The key is choosing based on interest, not trends. The fact that Psychology is the most common subject for girls doesn’t mean it’s the "best". It just means it’s the one that connects most strongly with what a lot of girls want to explore.
And that’s the real story here. It’s not about gender. It’s about choice. Girls are no longer just following paths laid out for them. They’re picking subjects that reflect their curiosity, their values, and their future.
What to Do If You’re Deciding
If you’re a girl thinking about A Levels, here’s what to ask yourself:
- What topics make me want to read more outside of class?
- Do I like talking about people’s behavior, emotions, or society?
- Am I okay with writing essays and analyzing studies, not just memorizing facts?
- What careers do I actually picture myself doing in five years?
Don’t pick Psychology because it’s popular. Pick it because it makes you want to ask questions. And if it doesn’t? Then pick Biology. Or English. Or Art. Or even Physics. The most common subject isn’t the right one for everyone. But it’s a sign that the old rules are changing-and that’s a good thing.
Is Psychology an easy A Level?
Psychology isn’t easy-it’s demanding in a different way. You need strong essay-writing skills, the ability to analyze research studies, and a good grasp of statistics. The pass rate is similar to Biology and English Literature, but many students find the content more engaging because it’s relatable. It’s not about memorizing equations-it’s about understanding human behavior.
Do universities look down on Psychology as an A Level?
No. Top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE, accept Psychology as a rigorous A Level. It’s listed as a preferred subject for psychology, sociology, education, and even business degrees. Some courses even require it. The myth that it’s a "soft" subject comes from outdated views-it’s now seen as a science with strong research methods.
Why are fewer girls taking Maths and Physics?
It’s not that girls aren’t capable-it’s about exposure and perception. Many girls don’t see themselves in those subjects because the teaching style often focuses on abstract problems without real-world context. There’s also less encouragement from teachers and parents compared to subjects like English or Biology. The gap is slowly closing, but cultural assumptions still play a role.
Can I study Psychology at university without taking it at A Level?
Yes. Many universities accept students with other science or social science A Levels like Biology, Sociology, or even Maths. But having Psychology at A Level gives you a clear advantage-it shows you’ve already engaged with the subject’s core concepts and research methods. It also helps you stand out in competitive applications.
What if I want to do Medicine but I’m not taking Chemistry?
Most medical schools require Chemistry and Biology at A Level. If you’re aiming for medicine, Psychology won’t replace those. But you can still take Psychology alongside them-it’s a strong third subject that shows you understand human behavior, which is valuable in healthcare. Many med students take Psychology to help with patient communication and mental health awareness.
Final Thought
The most common A Level for girls isn’t a fluke. It’s a signal. Girls are choosing subjects that let them explore the world through human eyes. And that’s not a limitation-it’s a strength. The future doesn’t need more girls in Physics just to balance the numbers. It needs more girls who are deeply curious, critically thinking, and emotionally intelligent. Psychology is just one way they’re getting there.