More girls take up higher-level STEM subjects

Girls studying science subjects took greater advantage than boys of changes to the college entry system that rewards average students for sitting higher level exams.

Latest State Examinations Commission figures reveal proportionately more girls moved up to higher level in the three main science subjects.

Although the 1,743 girls doing higher level physics lags well behind the 4,500-plus boys, it is almost 11% more than did so last year, compared to a 2% rise in male numbers.