What Are the Least Popular GCSE Subjects in 2025?

Introduction

When you’re choosing your GCSEs, it is easy to spot the popular ones. Almost everyone takes English, Maths, and Science. But what about the subjects that only a small number of students choose each year?

Based on the latest 2025 data (opens in a new tab) from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), this guide explores which GCSE subjects have the fewest entries, why their numbers are low, and whether that should affect your own choices. You will also discover how studying a less common subject can be rewarding and help you stand out later on.

Key Takeaways

• The least popular GCSEs in 2025 include Welsh (Second Language), Latin, Astronomy, and specialist technology courses.

• A small number of entries does not mean a subject is less valuable or respected.

• Many low-uptake subjects are niche, highly specialised, or only offered in certain schools.

• The best GCSEs are the ones that match your interests, goals, and learning style, not just the ones most people choose.

What Does “Least Popular” Mean?

When we talk about the least popular GCSE subjects, we are referring to the ones with the smallest number of exam entries across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) (opens in a new tab) publishes this data, showing how many students take each subject.

A subject’s popularity often depends on factors such as how many schools offer it or how well-known it is. For example, Latin and Astronomy are respected and challenging subjects, but not many schools have specialist teachers or the facilities needed to teach them.

It is important to remember that a low entry number does not make a subject less valuable or worthwhile. Some of the most interesting GCSEs attract smaller groups of students who are passionate about what they are studying.

The 10 Least Popular GCSE Subjects (2025 Data)

These figures show the ten GCSE subjects with the fewest entries across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2025, based on official JCQ data (opens in a new tab) for 16-year-olds.

“Other Technology” and “Other Sciences” are umbrella categories used by JCQ to group small or discontinued Design & Technology and Science courses. 

Why Are Some GCSE Subjects Less Popular?

Some GCSEs have far fewer entries than others, but that doesn’t mean they’re harder subjects or less valuable qualifications. Subjects with small entry numbers are often limited by school resources, awareness, or how they fit into the national curriculum.

Limited Availability

Subjects like Leisure & Tourism, Construction, and Hospitality require specialist teachers, facilities, or equipment. Many schools don’t have the capacity to offer them, so only a small number of students can take them each year.

Regional Focus

Some GCSEs have low entry numbers because they’re mainly taught in specific parts of the UK. Irish, for example, appears in the top ten least popular GCSEs because it’s primarily taught in Northern Ireland. Similarly, Welsh Literature and Welsh First Language, which sit just outside this top ten, are mostly offered in schools across Wales. 

These regional subjects play an important cultural role but naturally attract fewer students nationwide.

Perceived Relevance

Courses such as Other Technology, Engineering, and Other Sciences often overlap with larger, better-known GCSEs, such as Design & Technology or Combined Science. 

Many schools choose to focus on the broader qualifications instead, which are easier to timetable and assess.

Perceived as Vocational or Outdated

Some smaller-entry GCSEs, like Preparation for Life and Work or Business and Communication Systems, are more vocational in style. Students sometimes see them as less academic, even though they build practical and employability skills that are highly valuable.

Is It Bad to Choose an Unpopular Subject?

Not at all. A less popular subject will mean your class size is likely to be smaller. This has advantages. It can often mean more focused teaching, better support, and a stronger sense of community. It’s not so great if you want to ‘hide in the crowd’!

Choosing an uncommon GCSE can also help you stand out when applying for sixth form or university, as it shows initiative and genuine interest in learning something different. Imagine a university admissions tutor seeing a GCSE in Astronomy, Irish, or Classical Civilisation on your application. You’re bound to stand out.

Not only that, many of the less popular subjects can help you to build specialist skills that few other students develop, such as design and engineering skills, cultural knowledge, or applied technical understanding. 

As always, when you’re choosing your GCSE options, the key is to consider what challenges and inspires you, rather than following what’s popular.

Niche GCSEs That Might Be Right for You

Look out for these less common GCSEs. They may not be widely available, but if your school offers them, they can make your timetable more varied and enjoyable.

• Astronomy: Perfect for students who love science and space. You’ll learn about the solar system, galaxies, and how to observe the night sky.

• Classical Civilisation: Combines history, literature, and philosophy as you explore the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome.

• Engineering: Ideal if you enjoy solving practical problems and understanding how things work. Builds useful design and technical skills for future study or apprenticeships.

• Statistics: Great for students who like data and logic. Strengthens analytical thinking and supports subjects like Maths, Science, and Business.

• Business and Communication Systems: Focuses on IT, business processes, and digital communication. A good choice if you’re interested in entrepreneurship or technology.

• Performing Arts or Music: Both encourage creativity, confidence, and teamwork. Great for expressive learners.

• Citizenship Studies: Focuses on politics, society, and current issues. Ideal for students interested in law or social sciences.

How to Decide Which GCSEs to Take

Choosing GCSEs is a chance to shape your future learning. It’s an exciting time, but making such big decisions can feel difficult. 

Here are some tips to guide your decision:

• Follow your interests. You’ll find it easier to stay motivated and perform well in subjects you enjoy.

• Play to your strengths. Choose subjects that suit the way you learn best, whether that’s writing essays, solving problems, or being creative.

• Think about your future goals. If you already have ideas about A Levels, university courses, or careers, check which subjects could support those plans.

• Ask for advice. Teachers, family members, and careers advisers can help you see how different subjects fit your skills and goals.

• Explore before you decide. Use revision notes and past papers from Save My Exams to see what each subject involves and how it’s assessed.

Focus on what feels right for you rather than what’s most popular. The best mix balances the subjects you need with those that genuinely interest you. Find further support on your GCSE options in our Learning Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are unpopular GCSEs harder?

Not necessarily. Some, like Latin or Statistics, have a reputation for being demanding because they cover specialist skills. 

However, how difficult a subject feels usually depends on your interests and learning style, not how many people take it.

Will universities care if I take a rare subject?

No. Universities look at your grades and the relevance of your subjects to your chosen course, not how many students took them nationally. 

A strong grade in a less common subject can actually help you stand out.

Why doesn’t my school offer some subjects?

Schools decide which GCSEs to offer based on staff expertise, available resources, and student demand. 

Subjects such as Astronomy or Engineering need specialist teachers or equipment, so not every school can provide them.

Can I take an uncommon GCSE outside of school?

Yes. Some students study GCSEs privately or online and sit exams at approved centres. 

This option is especially popular for subjects like Astronomy or Classical Civilisation, which are not always taught in schools.

Final Thoughts

When choosing your GCSEs, focus on what you enjoy rather than what’s popular. Success comes from studying subjects that match your strengths and interests. Whether you prefer creative, practical, or academic learning, the right mix will help you stay confident and motivated.

For extra support with revision and preparation, explore Save My Exams’ wide range of GCSE revision resources, including revision notes, past papers, and exam questions. On average, students who use Save My Exams report improving by 2.6 grades*. We’ll help you feel confident and ready for every GCSE exam.

References

• Examination results - JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• JCQ | Subjects and key grades (Table 1 - 1c) 2025 (opens in a new tab)