GCSE Citizenship Studies Grows Amidst Challenges and Opportunities

The latest DfE data on GCSE Citizenship Studies schools reveals promising growth, with 21,107 student entries across 752 schools in 2024—a 5% increase compared to the previous year. This marks a significant step forward in recognising the vital role of Citizenship education in preparing young people to engage with democracy and society.

This year’s increase also saw 271 new schools offering the subject compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing interest in equipping students with the skills needed to navigate today’s challenges, from climate change to misinformation. However, the figures also reveal ongoing challenges, including 227 schools discontinuing the qualification and many entering only a single student.

Growing Relevance in a Changing World

These results come at a time when Citizenship education is more relevant than ever. With discussions about lowering the voting age to 16 gaining momentum and the Department for Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Review underway, young people need a robust foundation in democratic knowledge and resilience. The Citizenship Studies GCSE provides students with practical tools to understand and influence the world around them, from participating in elections to engaging in community action.

School Types: Who’s Offering GCSE Citizenship Studies?

Among the 752 schools offering GCSE Citizenship Studies in 2024, there’s a notable increase in academies and urban comprehensives, which accounted for the majority of new entries. Faith schools and single-sex schools also saw modest growth. Geographically, the strongest growth occurred in urban regions such as Greater Manchester, Birmingham, and London. However, rural areas, including parts of the South West and East of England, saw a decline in participation. This decline from some independent schools and rural institutions suggests challenges in maintaining Citizenship provision in less centralised settings.

Levelling Up Through Citizenship Education

The autumn 2024 data also reveals an important socio-economic dimension: schools in more deprived areas are proportionally more likely to offer GCSE Citizenship Studies than the national average. According to the IDACI index, 22.5% of schools offering the GCSE are in bands A and B—the most deprived categories—compared to 20.5% nationally. Meanwhile, schools in the least deprived bands (E and F) are slightly underrepresented, at 50.3% compared to 53.3% nationally.

This suggests that schools serving students from disadvantaged backgrounds increasingly recognise Citizenship education as a tool for empowering young people. By fostering critical thinking, advocacy skills, and democratic engagement, Citizenship Studies helps bridge gaps in political literacy and civic participation.

Challenges to Address

Despite the positive growth, the pressures on Citizenship education remain significant.

The data shows a mixed picture: while more schools are embracing Citizenship Studies, 201 schools entered only a single student for the GCSE, raising questions about the depth of provision in some areas. Additionally, some schools with strong cohorts in previous years have reduced or discontinued their use of GCSE Citizenship Studies, highlighting the challenges of competing curriculum priorities and a shortage of specialist teachers.

The ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review provides an opportunity to address these challenges. ACT’s Make Space for Citizenship campaign continues to advocate for a statutory Citizenship curriculum, ensuring every young person has access to high-quality education that prepares them for life in a democratic society.

A National Conversation

The increasing recognition of Citizenship education’s importance has also been highlighted in recent parliamentary debates. Both the House of Lords and Westminster Hall debates have championed Citizenship’s role in fostering critical thinking, political literacy, and active participation. ACT’s Make Space for Citizenship campaign continues to advocate for high-quality, statutory Citizenship education for every young person.

Looking Ahead

The latest DfE qualifiation data demonstrates both the opportunities and challenges facing Citizenship education, reinforcing the critical role of Citizenship teachers in levelling up political knowledge and engagement through quality teaching. The evidence suggests that GCSE Citizenship Studies is making a real difference in communities that need it most, while highlighting the need for broader, consistent access to the subject across all regions and socio-economic contexts.

As the national conversation evolves, ACT remains committed to ensuring every young person has access to the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to shape a strong and vibrant democracy.

As we advocate for stronger support and recognition for Citizenship education, we invite policymakers, educators, and supporters to join ACT in championing the subject as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy.