But number of girls choosing the subject rises

Fewer students are opting for computing at A-level this year, while the number of girls choosing the subject continues to rise.

Data shows that girls now account for 18.6% of computing entrants, with a 3.5% increase on 2024 in for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Overall, however, computing A-levels saw a 2.8% decline, marking a rare dip after years of growing interest.

Ian Thomas, chief operating officer at IT service provider Node4, highlighted the wider implications: “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.

“The technology sector is being hit twice over, the growing skills shortage is now being exacerbated by the declining number of talent coming up through the pipeline. If interest in the IT sector continues to wane, the disparity will only get wider. This in turn will create a bigger issue, with an increase in demand leading to rising costs.”

STEM subject numbers fall

The number of students taking STEM subjects has generally fallen this year, though maths, further maths and physics saw modest increases. Computing, in particular, faces challenges from a curriculum that some argue does not fully prepare pupils for careers in technology or adequately nurture their existing tech enthusiasm.

Thomas added: “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 and more often than not, they are the ones called upon to help with IT issues at home! However, this passion isn’t converting into chosen career paths. This suggests that there is a disconnect between school curriculums and real-world technological developments, which is failing to engage the younger generations.”

Rise in girls studying computing

Despite the decline in overall numbers, the rise in girls studying computing is a bright spot. A-level computing entrants among girls have risen steadily from 1,797 in 2020 to 3,679 in 2025. Grade attainment also favoured female students, with girls outperforming boys at every grade level.

Julia Adamson, executive director for education and public benefit at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, welcomed the trend. She said: “I’m excited that young women are seizing their future in greater numbers, especially in areas like AI where diversity is vital to ensure decisions and outcomes are good for everyone. We need this momentum to accelerate.”

Heather Dawe, chief data scientist, UK, and head of responsible AI at UST, echoed the need to tackle the overall decline in STEM participation: “More women in tech will bring a diversity of perspectives that drive innovation and result in fairer, more inclusive digital technologies for everyone. At the same time, the overall decline in candidates highlights the need for further action to ensure everyone can benefit from and contribute to the digital age. Schools, governments and industry alike need to examine the latest data to identify the gaps and take the necessary steps to strengthen the UK’s tech ecosystem as a whole.”

The data highlights a critical challenge for the UK: nurturing tech talent to meet growing demand, particularly in fields like AI and cybersecurity, while continuing to close the gender gap.

Matthew Lloyd Davies, principal security author at the Pluralsight said: “Digital and technical skills are some of the most valuable in today’s economy. One area where these skills are especially sought after is cybersecurity. Cyber isn’t just a single-track, highly technical career; it’s a broad and evolving field.”