‘I Don’t Know What Type of Job You’d Do from A-Level English’: The Problems with Post-16 English Literature Recruitment

That the number of young people choosing to study English Literature at A-level (post-16) in English is in decline is widely known and should be of concern for all those interested in the current and future health of the subject. Some work has been done to investigate this area, but if we are to properly understand the situation and look to identify possible solutions, more research is needed. This article describes some findings from a pilot project undertaken in three schools, where Year 12 students – both those pursuing a literature course and those who were not – and English teachers participated in interviews designed to explore factors influencing students’ post-16 choices. In analysing our findings, we point towards planned future research and make some initial recommendations centring on the role of English teachers in championing and promoting their subject.