For the first time, Economics has entered the top five A‑level subjects in England, with 46,365 students sitting the exam this summer. The surge comes as traditional arts subjects such as English Literature and Art and Design record falling entry numbers, highlighting a shift toward subjects perceived as more lucrative.

46,365 pupils choose Economics, up 11% year‑on‑year

According to the regulator Ofqual, Economics entries rose 11 per cent from the previous year, moving the subject from eighth to fifth place behind Maths, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry. the jump represents a 41 per cent increase since 2021, when Economics was ranked 11th.

Arts subjects tumble: English Literature down 6%, Art and Design down 1%

Ofqual figures also reveal that only 32,890 students sat English Literature, a 6 per cent drop, and 40,015 took Art and Design, slipping 1 per cent. Those subjects now sit at 11th and 10th in the popularity ranking, respectively, after previously occupying higher positions in 2021.

Business Studies reaches record sixth place with 43,395 entries

Data shows Business Studies climbed to sixth,its highest ever rank, after a 4 per cent rise to 43,395 pupils.. The trend suggests a broader appetite for subjects linked to commerce and finance.

Graduate earnings drive subject choices, Policy Exchange report finds

A Policy Exchange report released yesterday highlighted that Economics graduates earn a median £50,400 five years after graduation, second only to Medicine and Dentistry. By contrast, graduates in Performing Arts earn just £24,500, and English graduates £28,800, reinforcing the perception that economics offers stronger financial prospects.

What’s still unclear? The role of university guidance and long‑term career outcomes

While the data points to earnings potential influencing decisions, it remains unknown how much school career advisers or university marketing campaigns have steered pupils toward economics. additionally , the long‑term stability of finance‑related careers in a volatile economy is still a question mark.