There has been no assessment of the effect of science college status on the number of pupils taking science A-levels. Science colleges are expected to set targets for the percentage of students attaining relevant qualifications post-16, including A-levels. Progress against these targets will be important considerations when schools seek resignation of specialist status.
The recent “Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014: Next Steps” document sets out a range of activities the Government are putting in place to encourage more pupils to study science at A-level and beyond.