THE number of students gaining the top grade in GCSE geography has risen by almost 7,000 since 1998 despite 40,000 fewer candidates sitting the exam.
In 1997, there were 265,895 entries for geography GCSE of whom 10,560 gained an A*. Last year 17,282 of the 223,525 entrants achieved the top grade.
There were also more top grades in biology, history and economics despite a fall in overall numbers.
Compiled by Jon Slater from Hansard. www.parliament.uk
