Reforms to GCSEs and A Levels and changes in accountability measures for schools are just two policy areas influencing the take up of qualifications, according to Ofqual’s latest annual qualifications market report.

Other drivers behind this year’s qualifications trends (2016-2017) include the availability of re-sit opportunities for legacy GCSEs, the decoupling of AS from the A Level, post-16 maths and English GCSE requirements, the establishment of Progress 8 and Attainment 8 performance measures, and a focus on EBacc subjects.

The main findings in the report include:

• The overall number of certificates awarded in GCSE, AS, A Level and vocational and other qualifications fell by nearly 8% (to 12.4 million) in England compared to the previous year, continuing the trend seen over several years
• AS Levels had the biggest percentage drop in the number of certificates awarded (down by 43% on the previous year)
• 6.1 million certificates were awarded in vocational and other qualifications - a drop of 10% compared with the previous year
• The top 10 highest volume GCSE subjects accounted for 73% of all GCSE certificates awarded.  Maths remained the most popular subject at GCSE, AS and A Level.

• The potential impact of T Levels on the number of available Technical awards and certificates 
• Changes in performance tables continuing to impact on take up
  
• The phasing out of apprenticeship frameworks and the growth of apprenticeship standards (the majority of which do not currently contain separately awarded qualifications)
• The reduction of the adult skills budget with fewer certificates awarded to post-19 year olds.