• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Friday August 26 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Increase in number of girls taking GCSE computing exams welcomed by BCS

An increase in the number of girls taking GCSE computing exams in 2022 has been welcomed by Swindon-based BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

On GCSE results day yesterday (Thursday) 81,000 students were awarded a certificate in computing.

And record numbers will start a computer science degree this year, with faster growth in women taking computing than for any other university subject group, new figures show.

Computer Science now the fastest growing degree subject, with 24,900 people due to start courses in September – up seven per cent.

While fewer girls took a GCSE in computing than boys – a ratio of 3.7 to 1 – females outperformed the male cohort.

40.6 per cent of female entrants in England gained a grade 7 or above – the former GCSE Grade A – compared with 32.2 per cent of male entrants.

Julia Adamson, director of education at BCS, said: “My heartfelt congratulations go to the pupils who sat this year’s GCSE exams.

“It has been a particularly challenging period during which pupils had to negotiate major disruption to their schooling due to the pandemic.

“It’s also fantastic news that girls continue to take up the computer science qualifications at similar levels to previous years and achieve good grades.

“However, we cannot be complacent, and we need to see more girls studying this exciting and creative subject.

“One thing we all learnt during the pandemic is that digital skills are vital for all, providing the tools to take an active part in society, aid career prospects and improve the UK economy in the long run.

“I hope that many of today’s pupils will continue to develop their knowledge in this subject and I wish them every success in their future endeavours.”