Least Popular A Level Subjects

Choosing your A Level subjects can feel overwhelming. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what you should study, and it's easy to wonder whether you should play it safe with popular subjects or follow your own interests.

Don’t assume that the least popular A Level subjects are bad choices. In fact, they might give you a unique edge. This article breaks down which A Levels have the lowest entry numbers, why that happens, and whether it should actually influence your decision.

Key Takeaways

• The least popular A Levels include subjects like Performing/Expressive Arts and Music.

• Low popularity often comes down to limited school availability rather than the subject being "bad".

• Taking a less common A Level can actually make you stand out to universities and employers.

• Small class sizes in unpopular subjects often mean more one-to-one support from teachers.

Bottom 10 Least Popular A Level Subjects

Based on the latest data from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) for A Level results for Summer 2024 (opens in a new tab), here are the A Level subjects with the fewest entries:

Where the Data Comes From

This data comes from the JCQ's A Level and AS Level results for Summer 2024. It is data for England only. 

Subject popularity is measured simply by counting how many students sat each A Level exam. 

Why Are These Subjects Less Popular?

Several factors explain why certain A Levels have such low entry numbers.

Limited Availability

Many unpopular subjects simply aren't offered at most schools and colleges. Smaller institutions can't justify running a course if only one or two students want to take it. For example, Performing/Expressive Arts may only be offered at specialist schools.

Lack of Awareness

Students often don't know these subjects exist. When you're choosing A Levels in Year 11, you're usually presented with the most common options: Maths, English, Sciences, and Humanities. For example, less common Modern Languages rarely appear on standard option blocks.

Perception of Difficulty

Some subjects have reputations for being particularly challenging. Music, for example, requires both advanced musical knowledge and technical skills, which can put students off. 

University Requirements

Certain career paths have specific A Level requirements that steer students away from niche subjects. If you're aiming for Medicine, you'll prioritise Chemistry and Biology. This means fewer students have room in their three-subject line-up for something like Environmental Science.

Should You Avoid a Subject Just Because It's Unpopular?

Definitely not. The number of students taking a subject tells you nothing about its quality or usefulness.

Fewer students mean less competition. If you excel in Design and Technology, you're part of a small, specialist group rather than one of thousands doing the same thing.

Universities look for students with genuine interests and strong academic ability. Admissions tutors appreciate candidates who've pursued subjects they're passionate about, especially if it's relevant to their degree choice. Read our Choosing A Level Subjects article to help you make the right decision. When it comes to choosing your post-16 options.

For example, if you want to study Geology at university, taking Environmental Science at A Level (which falls into Other Sciences) demonstrates serious commitment. The low entry numbers make you more memorable, not less qualified.

The key is choosing A Level subject combinations that align with your strengths, interests, and future plans. Popularity shouldn't be the deciding factor.

The Hidden Advantages of Unpopular A Levels

Taking a less common A Level comes with some genuine benefits.

• Smaller Class Sizes - With fewer students, you'll likely have much more individual attention from your teacher. Questions get answered quickly, and you can explore topics in greater depth. 

• Standing Out in Applications - University admissions tutors read thousands of applications. When they see the same subjects repeatedly (Maths, Biology, Psychology), something different catches their eye. 

• Flexibility in Assessment - Some less popular subjects have different assessment structures. Music, for instance, includes coursework components that allow you to showcase creativity alongside the standard exam. 

What Students Say About These Subjects

Students who've taken less popular A Levels often report positive experiences.

Poppy, a former A Level student, says: “I took Music A Level and loved spending a few hours each week playing piano and developing a different skill. I’m now at university, studying Business. It didn’t really make me a better Business student, but it allowed me to get a top grade that boosted my university application.”

And, I took Drama at A Level alongside Biology and History, so a real mix! But, I really enjoyed following my passion for acting academically. It felt like a totally different educational experience because I was able to hone a different sort of craft creatively. It was a brilliant way to complement more academic subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the least popular A Level subject in the UK?

Performing/Expressive Arts is currently the least popular A Level, with only 897 entries in summer 2024. 

Is it bad to take a less popular A Level?

Not at all. Less popular doesn't mean less valuable. Universities care about your grades, subject relevance to your degree choice, and genuine interest. A strong performance in a niche subject can actually make you more memorable in applications.

Do universities care about A Level subject popularity?

Universities focus on whether your A Level choices meet their entry requirements and demonstrate relevant skills. For most degrees, they publish lists of required or preferred subjects. As long as you meet these criteria, subject popularity is irrelevant.

Are less popular A Levels harder to study?

Difficulty varies by subject, not by popularity. Some less popular A Levels are challenging (like Classical Greek -  a niche language), while others might suit your skills perfectly (like Drama).

Ace Your A Level with Save My Exams

Popularity isn’t everything. Think about your future plans, your interests, and where your natural skill set lies. If this results in you taking a less popular A Level subject, you could find yourself standing out from the crowd.

No matter the A Levels you choose, Save My Exams is with you every step of the way with past papers, revision notes, and exam questions to help you revise your way, with diagrams, videos, expert tips, PDFs, quick summaries and more. Join over 2 million students and teachers using Save My Exams to master what matters - and boost your grades today.

References

Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) for A Level results for Summer 2024 (opens in a new tab)