Views sought on potential withdrawal of Geology at AS level

The only UK exam board offering AS-level Geology is seeking feedback before a decision is made.

Eduqas will be the only exam board offering the qualification in the UK, following the withdrawal of Cambridge OCR. 

Now Eduqas reports that as 'part of our ongoing review of our qualification portfolio, we are considering the withdrawal of a number of AS Level qualifications'.

It asserts no final decision has been made, and they are seeking feedback to inform the review. Should these qualifications be withdrawn, there will be a final assessment opportunity in summer 2028.

Eduqas says, 'We are particularly interested in understanding the implications for centres and learners, including any effects on progression routes and subject choice. We would also welcome feedback on whether the withdrawal of the AS Level qualifications may influence the take-up or delivery of related GCSE and A Level qualifications'.

Last month, The Geological Society shared its ongoing response following Cambridge OCR’s announcement that it will withdraw AS and A-level Geology qualifications from 2027 onwards. 

The Society explained that 27 education centres offering A or AS-level Geology in England and Wales face a choice - switch to the WJEC/Eduqas specification or cease offering geology and close their departments.

They held a focus group for secondary school teachers to hear how this change will impact them. The Society reports that common concerns from teachers included the level of support they would receive during the transition and uncertainty about the future. Teachers highlighted that the impacts of this curriculum change require input and support from multiple stakeholders.

'Centres making the switch are essential to preserving access to geology education, helping to maintain opportunities for exposure to the subject at secondary level and to strengthen the pipeline into further education, higher education and the UK's future workforce,' the statement reads. 

'Access to secondary school geology courses is already limited, and centres are not distributed evenly nationwide. Closures triggered by this choice could have a further detrimental effect on pupils’ equity of access to pursuing geoscience.'

The potential withdrawal of the AS-level Geology by Eduqas could therefore exacerabate an already precarious situation. 

Eduqas' survey closes on 9 October.