Which A-Level subjects had the most entries in 2026? The top 25 by entries, with each subject’s share and how it changed from 2025.
The ten most-entered A-Levels are led by Mathematics (115,380) and Psychology. Together the largest subjects account for a substantial share of A-Level entries.
The 25 largest A-Level subjects by entries in 2026, out of 896,643 entries in total, with each subject’s share and the change in entries versus 2025.
| # | Subject | Entries | Share | vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematics | 115,380 | 12.9% | +3.6% |
| 2 | Psychology | 79,201 | 8.8% | +3.8% |
| 3 | Biology | 73,925 | 8.2% | +3.9% |
| 4 | Chemistry | 65,541 | 7.3% | +2.8% |
| 5 | Economics | 47,157 | 5.3% | +10.3% |
| 6 | Business | 46,977 | 5.2% | +3.1% |
| 7 | History | 46,960 | 5.2% | +5.1% |
| 8 | Physics | 45,800 | 5.1% | +1.0% |
| 9 | Sociology | 43,562 | 4.9% | -1.0% |
| 10 | English Literature | 36,196 | 4.0% | -5.9% |
| 11 | Geography | 34,128 | 3.8% | -0.1% |
| 12 | Politics | 24,824 | 2.8% | +12.5% |
| 13 | Further Mathematics | 21,032 | 2.3% | +8.5% |
| 14 | Computer Science | 20,009 | 2.2% | +2.6% |
| 15 | Law | 16,526 | 1.8% | +11.1% |
| 16 | Religious Studies | 16,042 | 1.8% | -2.9% |
| 17 | Media Studies | 15,009 | 1.7% | -3.2% |
| 18 | English Language | 13,192 | 1.5% | +3.8% |
| 19 | Physical Education | 13,057 | 1.5% | -2.7% |
| 20 | Art & Design: Fine Art | 12,962 | 1.4% | -3.3% |
| 21 | Art & Design: Photography | 9,785 | 1.1% | -2.4% |
| 22 | Design & Technology: Product Design | 8,777 | 1.0% | +3.3% |
| 23 | Spanish | 8,434 | 0.9% | +1.1% |
| 24 | Film Studies | 7,761 | 0.9% | -1.4% |
| 25 | Drama & Theatre | 7,397 | 0.8% | -10.2% |
Entry counts for 2026 use JCQ’s all-UK figures (all five awarding bodies, all ages); earlier years and individual exam-board pages use the four boards’ own published totals. Year-on-year entry changes are calculated on the consistent four-board basis. See the interactive Explorer.
A subject’s popularity reflects availability as well as demand. National entry data cannot separate rising student interest from changes in how many schools and colleges offer a subject.
tutor2u Insights are timely analysis of official results data. Figures are based on JCQ’s 2026 results-day tables and may be revised as post-results changes are processed; they use the same figures as the interactive Explorer. A higher top-grade rate does not mean a subject is easier, and entry numbers reflect what students entered, not only what they would have chosen. See how to read this data.
Last checked August 2026. This is a plain-English summary of official guidance; always check the linked Ofqual, JCQ and exam-board pages for the definitive rules, which can change.
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