Tech bosses enthused by GSCE computing stampede

Number of students taking GSCE computing has more than doubled in a year

Tech and business leaders have hailed the hike in students taking GSCE computing this year, which has more than doubled, hitting 35,414.

The number of female students taking computing also increased by 121 per cent, from 2,568 in 2014 to 5,678 in 2015, according to the GSCE and entry-level results from the Joint Council for Qualifications.

Despite the rise in numbers of pupils sitting computing, as well as ICT GSCE – which saw numbers rise to 111,934 in 2015 from 96,811 the year before – those achieving an A* to C grade in computing dropped from 69.5 per in 2014 cent to 68.8 per cent this year.

Despite that, Hitachi’s UK managing director, Richard Gadd, expressed his excitement regarding the increased numbers, saying that people with knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects will be the leaders of business innovation going forward.

“For young people planning or beginning their careers, it’s important to remember that careers in STEM are no longer about being the 'techies' stuck in the basement,” he said.

“With new technologies redefining the jobs market, the people with tech acumen will be those placed at the forefront of business innovation and integral to defining strategy.”

UK businesses are worried that schools lack the know-how to ensure the next generation has the correct skills to succeed in a data-driven landscape, Gadd added.

“To ensure the UK technology scene is an inspiring hub of great talent that can ignite economic success, businesses also have an important role to play.

“By working with the government and offering more entry-level jobs with on-site training, where individuals are equipped with the right skills to pursue a career in IT, businesses can help bridge the IT skills gap and ensure they can recruit the right people for the future,” he said.

Katja Hall, CBI deputy director general, said it was "great news that the overall numbers of those taking science is on the up" and described the huge leap in computing numbers as the "icing on the cake".

"Digital skills are essential in the modern world and economy, and to keeping the UK at the forefront of technological innovations," she said. "However, the fact that less than one in five computing students are women means that we are missing out on a huge pool of digital talent."