This research by the British Computer Society (BCS) has found girls are outnumbered six to one by boys in computer science classes across the UK. However, once young women choose computing, on average they outperform their male counterparts.
In all UK nations, computer science subjects appear to be the least popular among sciences. The continuing problem with the male-female balance is reflected in all geographies. This can be in excess of 10:1 in some cases, but more regularly between five and six to one.
Getting qualified teachers remains a problem, despite the success of the National Centre for Computing Education, a Department for Education-funded institution addressing this need in England, which is supporting more than 30,000 teachers.
In addition, participation in computer science in Scotland has been falling steadily over recent years but increased in 2021, possibly down to the growing popularity of new digitally focused areas.
The chair of BCS's School Curriculum and Assessment Committee, said that computing education and skills need to be highly valued and promoted by leaders in government, education and industry too, as a route to shape the future.