At the sixth‐form level, Newtonian mechanics introduces the ideas of force, motion, energy, etc., and so provides an essential basis for science and engineering. This paper gives the results of a five‐year investigation into the state of health of mechanics as an A‐level discipline. The conclusions are far reaching. (1) Over the past two decades there have been substantial changes in the number and content of A‐level mathematics syllabuses. Mechanics is in decline and in urgent need of regeneration. (2) Of the students entering Leeds University to read mathematics, the majority were found to be inadequately prepared in Newtonian mechanics and the undergraduate course has been modified accordingly. (3) There is reason to suspect that entrants to science and engineering departments are also inadequately prepared. The paper goes on to suggest ways in which mechanics can be revitalized.