Alison Carr, director of policy, Institution of Engineer­ing and Technology, writes:

This year’s GCSE results show a welcome increase in students studying ICT and computing but there has been a worrying decline in the number of young people opting for physics and design and technology. 

We need to have more young people studying all of the engineering gateway subjects to ensure that they are not shutting the door on an exciting, creative career in engineering.

There is huge demand for engineers, so it is important that young people have the opportunity to continue their studies. The country needs more people studying science and engineering subjects and taking up apprenticeships.

 We are at risk of stifling economic growth if we do not encourage more students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects which are crucial to ensuring a healthy and balanced economy.