Young people could be limiting future salaries by dismissing A-level maths

England has one of the lowest levels of post-16 mathematics engagement among developed countries, according to international comparisons. This is despite the fact that mathematics qualifications such as A-level maths are linked to higher salaries, as reported in new research. In 2011 the Secretary of State for Education called for the 'vast majority' of young people to be studying mathematics up to 18 by the end of the decade. This ambition was reiterated by the Chancellor in his March 2016 budget. A new report from the School of Education at The University of Nottingham, has found that 80 per cent of 17-year-olds disagree with the idea of making maths compulsory post-16. The study, Rethinking the value of Advanced Mathematics Participation (REVAMP) , set out to investigate the value of A-level mathematics from several viewpoints. Experts looked at four different strands of analysis within the project — the economic returns to A-level maths, the changing participation in A-level maths from 2005-13, the relationship between A-level maths and degree outcomes, and a national survey of 10,000 17-year-olds.