The number of girls taking A-level computing increased by 3.5% in 2025, comprising 18.6% of total entrants, despite a 2.8% decline in overall participation. This decrease predominantly affected boys, reflecting broader issues within the UK computing curriculum. Many believe the curriculum does not adequately prepare students for tech careers or encourage interest, particularly among girls. The skills gap in the UK is further emphasized by the rise in reported IT skill shortages among mid-market organizations, highlighting a disconnect between educational offerings and real-world technology.
It is disappointing to see that the number of students studying computing has fallen by 2.8% this year, especially as 93% of mid-market organisations in the UK report they are experiencing an IT skills shortage.
It is essential that educational institutions nurture the interest young people naturally have for technology. Today's students have grown up with technology, with mobile phones and computers readily available.
This suggests that there is a disconnect between school curriculums and real-world technological developments, which is failing to engage the younger generations.
The number of students taking science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects has dropped in general.
Collection
[
|
...
]