Government pushes STEM agenda as Google slams schools

Google claims UK schools not doing enough to push technology as David Cameron outlines new computer science GCSE

A new computer science GCSE and plans to train thousands of STEM-specific teachers have been unveiled today by David Cameron as Google's UK sales director slams schools for failing to encourage kids into technology.

The new secondary-school qualification – which will be taught from 2016 – will teach pupils to code and design programmes as well as about the ethical and legal aspects of digital technology, the government said today.

On top of this, Cameron (pictured) announced plans for a new National College for Digital Skills, which will work with the tech industry and schools to train "digital innovators" of the future.

Some 15,000 existing teachers will be retrained in maths and physics and up to an extra 2,500 specialist teachers in the subjects will be recruited over the next parliament, the government said.

The news comes as Google slams the education system for ignoring the importance of the subjects.

In an interview with the London School of Business and Finance, Google UK's sales director Kevin Mathers said technology and science are not at the forefront of kids' minds, but should be.

"In British education at the moment, is there enough science and technology? And is it at the forefront of people's minds? No," he said. "Do they understand why it should be at the forefront of people's minds? In the UK, does your average schoolkid really believe science is driving benefits for mankind? Probably not. They have got other things on their minds.

"Advocating that [is key] as well as advocating that to leaders. Why would people want to lead in the sector? Because they fundamentally believe the work they are doing is driving fundamental good for society."