More girls study A-Level Computing (and they got the best grades)
Four tech related takeaways about the trends in this years A-level data
This years A-Level results are in, and whilst the overall proportions of A and A* grades are down, some positive news is discernible in the underlying trends, particularly for those responsible for filling the tech skills gaps we hear so much about.
1) More young people are choosing Computing
Computing A-Level has seen the biggest increase in the number of entries. It's up 16.7% from 15,693 entries in 2022 to 18,306 in 2023.
This is good news for tech employers. An A-Level in Computing or Computer Science can be part of a strong foundation for a career in the field, perhaps even more so if it's part of a set of A-levels featuring mathematics and other sciences.
Chris Reddington, Senior Manager, Developer Advocacy, GitHub, said:
"The spike in interest in software engineering amongst young people poses a great opportunity for the UK on its AI mission. Over the last few years, there's been debate around whether AI will replace human developers, but we can see that it's doing the opposite.
"Many companies have recently embarked on a digital transformation strategy, which has increased the demand for software developers, outstripping supply. The rise in AI coding tools is promising, as they have the potential to lower barriers to entry, enabling more people to explore software development and be part of the picture.
"This, coupled with the rise of students applying for software engineering degrees, will help unlock the UK's ability to bridge current technology skills gaps and power the demand for AI-led initiatives and projects. This is exactly where the UK needs to be if we want to get ahead in the AI race."
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More girls study A-Level Computing (and they got the best grades)
Four tech related takeaways about the trends in this years A-level data
2) More young women are taking Computing
There has been a 17.6% increase in the number of female students taking A-Level Computing this year. Since 2019, this has risen from 1,475 to 2,765 students - a 87.6% increase.
This means that more girls are deciding that they can see themselves working in tech. This is likely to be happening for a number of reasons.
Lots of non-profit making organisations like Next Tech Girls and Tech She Can and employers are working hard to get female role models into schools and colleges to communicate to girls and young women that working in technology doesn't have to entail a lonely working environment, compulsive hoodie wearing or being a white male. There are happy and successful tech workers and leaders who look like them.
Hannah Birch, MD Digital at Node 4:
"It is fantastic to see that a significant 17.6% more girls are studying Computing at A-Level than last year, marking a positive upward trend over the past five years. With women making up less than a third of the workforce, we desperately need more women in STEM so this is a hugely positive step in the right direction."
Agata Nowakowska, Area Vice President EMEA, Skillsoft:
"This year's 17.6% increase in the number of girls taking Computing is hopefully a good indication that things are moving in the right direction. However, these A-Level results must not be a signal to become complacent, particularly following last month's fall in the number of girls taking Computing at degree level."
Nowakowska is right to warn of the dangers of complacency.
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3) Female students remain outnumbered
Despite the increase in the numbers of young women taking Computing A-Levels, those women still account for just 15.1% of the total number of Computing students. Women remain in the minority across all STEM subjects, making up 44% of overall entries, a tiny increase from 43% last year.
Agata Nowakowska explains why she thinks this is still happening.
"Old-fashioned biases can still creep in and influence young girls' decisions, not just in selecting A-Level subjects but when pursuing higher education or looking to join the career ladder. We still have a long way to go before those are fully behind us, and need to make sure STEM is a place girls feel welcome and inspired.
"The Government, schools and businesses need to do far more to encourage girls in these areas. For example, offering younger female students' opportunities to learn to code or build websites can spark an interest in technology earlier while helping quell doubts. Organisations could also provide computing clubs for young girls or visit schools and career fairs to highlight opportunities. It all comes down to investing early in our female students and continually reminding them that they belong."
Hannah Birch picks up the theme of belonging, and provides a real life example of how careers guidance isn't communicating the options well enough.
"In my role as a governor at a school, and as a woman in tech myself, I have done a lot of work speaking to girls about the possibilities of a career in technology. Whilst this is rewarding, it is also frustrating to hear the lack of information that these young women have.
"I remember speaking with to two girls in their final year of A-Level studies who had plans to work in a nursery. Not to say that it isn't a rewarding career, but when I told them about my typical day and they understood better what a career in tech could look like, they were really interested and said that they wished they had made different choices. By that point, they had almost finished their studies and their university places or job offers were secured - ultimately, it was too late for them. For me it was proof that girls are not being guided in the best way about what opportunities are available to them, especially when it comes to a career in technology. It is crucial we start having these conversations with girls earlier on in their education for when they make decisions that set them up for the future."
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4) Girls get better grades
Female Computing students achieved a higher percentage of top grades than their male counterparts with 31.3% of female students earning A*-A grades, compared to 21.7% for male students.
So much for the genius myth, and the idea that girls are somehow inherently less gifted in maths and science than boys.
For female students who are thinking about a tech career or in the very early years of one, the Women in Tech Festival is an excellent use of a day.
In addition to being able to see some fantastic role models delivering keynotes, being interviewed and taking part in panels discussing the issues of the day you'll also be able to connect with mentors, access practical advice on how to progress your career and maybe even be able to scope out a future employer.
Best of all, tickets are free to those in full time education so don't delay booking your place!
Join us at this year's Women in Tech Festival on Tuesday 31st October in London; the meeting place for women working in tech, those who aspire to and for any tech organisation wanting to enhance diversity, make unrivalled connections, and empower and cultivate women leaders.
Individual delegates will have opportunities to connect with mentors and access practical advice on how to progress their careers.
Click here to find out more and register now.
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