A-level subjects including maths, science and humanities see a rise in participants

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Figures show entries for ‘facilitating subjects’have risen by 13 per cent
The numbers taking maths have risen by more than half in a decade
Geography, English literature and history have also seen year-on-year rises
So-called ‘Mickey Mouse’ courses have fallen out of favour, with take-up of general studies falling by a quarter to 17,400

Published: 18:11 EST, 13 August 2015 | Updated: 18:24 EST, 13 August 2015

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More teenagers are taking the tough A-level subjects favoured by Oxbridge this year following a Government campaign to drive up academic standards.

Entries for the ‘facilitating subjects’, which include maths, the sciences, English, geography and history, have risen by 13 per cent since 2010 to 435,583 and now account for just over half of all qualifications taken, official figures show.

The numbers taking maths have risen by more than half in a decade. Take-up has gone from 7 per cent of pupils in 2006 to 11 per cent this year, when there were 93,000 candidates.

New figures show entries for ‘facilitating subjects’, which include maths, the sciences, English, geography and history, by British students have risen by 13 per cent since 2010 to 435,583 (file image)

Geography, English literature and history have also seen year-on-year rises but so-called ‘Mickey Mouse’ courses have fallen out of favour, with take-up of general studies falling by a quarter to 17,400.

However, languages suffered this year, with a drop in numbers taking French and German, although Spanish saw a rise in entries.

Yesterday, education experts said the figures were a ‘vindication’ for former education secretary Michael Gove, who campaigned to get more teenagers to study core skills subjects.

Schools minister Nick Gibb (pictured) said that the drive to persuade more pupils to study core academic subjects has been a success

Richard Cairns, head teacher of Brighton College, an independent school, said: ‘Michael Gove’s determination to rebalance education in England is being realised.

‘Sixth-formers have begun to understand that if they want a place at a top university, they need to study the demanding A-level subjects that prepare them properly for the most challenging degree course.’

In 2011, the Russell Group of top universities produced a guide listing the subjects most useful for would-be entrants.

This year’s figures are believed to show the highest take-up since then.

Preliminary statistics released by the Joint Council for Qualifications show that the take-up of facilitating subjects has increased by 0.8 per cent since last year.

The change follows new performance measures which mean schools are now judged on the number of pupils that achieve a C or above in tougher subjects at GCSE.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said yesterday that the drive to persuade more pupils to study core academic subjects has been a success.

He added: ‘As a result thousands more pupils, from all backgrounds, are studying subjects that will secure them a place at a top university or an apprenticeship and that will help to secure well paid employment.’