The Royal Society: Students doubt their abilities to tackle science and maths

A new study from The Royal Society has found that students considering A-level subjects are reluctant to choose science and maths.

The society also investigated the attitudes of students of different races and found that white pupils were more inclined to believe success in technical subjects is largely down to natural gift.

On the other hand, Asian youths were found to feel that hard work is the main contributor to success in these areas.

The subsequent report stated: 'No more than six per cent of 17-year-olds took A-level physics in any one year. For chemistry, the figure was seven per cent and for biology and mathematics it was 12 per cent.'

This news comes despite the UK government's attempts to 'reform the curriculum' in order to make science and maths seem more appealing to youngsters.

A workshop organised by the European Science Foundation in August saw experts come together to discuss how technical subjects can be 're-energised' in Europe.