More pupils are choosing to study core academic subjects at GCSE, according to the latest school-level performance table figures released by the Department of Education.

Over the last four years, the data revealed, there has been a 71 per cent increase in the number of pupils taking subjects that fall under the English Baccalaureate (English, maths, history, geography, the sciences and a language).

Pupils achieve the English Baccalaureate – a performance measure and not a qualification it has to be noted – if they get a C or better in the core subjects they sit at exam.

"As a result of our plan for education we are seeing thousands more pupils taking the core academic GCSEs and A levels - those that open doors to future success," said education secretary Nicky Morgan.

"By pegging our exams to the best in the world, we are restoring rigour and giving students the skills they need to succeed in modern Britain.

"It is particularly pleasing to see more young people taking the crucial STEM subjects at A-level and I want to continue this trend which has seen a record number of girls taking subjects like physics."

The current government is placing a lot of emphasis on the English Baccalaureate as a key strategy for not only boosting standards in education, but also equipping young people with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.

This is part of its wider programme of reform of GCSEs and A-levels, so that, as the DfE states, "pupils leave school with qualifications that are of real value and enable to succeed in the future".

"We have raised the bar, and I know schools are already rising to the challenge - ensuring our young people leave school ready to succeed not just in Britain, but on the global stage," Ms Morgan concluded.