There was an increase in the number of students sitting exams in geography at A and AS level this year, at the same time as a slight fall in the total number of exams taken across all subjects.

Commenting, Society Director Dr Rita Gardner CBE said:

"The Society would like to congratulate all the students who received their A and AS level geography results today.

"It is very encouraging to see more students choosing to study geography. The subject has never been more important if we are to meet the social, economic and environmental challenges that face our world."

32,005 students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland sat A level geography in 2012 (an increase of 2.5% on 2011) and 45,923 at AS level (an increase of 1.4% on 2011).

ENDS

Notes to editors 
 
1.For further information please contact Alex Jackson, Media and Communications Officer on 020 7591 3019 or email press@rgs.org 

2. The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography - the subject that helps us understand people, places and environments. We would like everyone to have a better understanding of our complex and changing world. Formed in 1830, the Society exists to advance geography. Today, the Society does this by supporting and promoting geography in school, at university, in fieldwork and expeditions, and by enthusing and engaging public audiences through talks, discussions, exhibitions and online. The Society's large geographical collection of maps, images and manuscripts is also open to the public.www.rgs.org