The increase saw the number of young women (14-16 years old) in GCSE computing courses go from 17,264 last year to 19,061 this year. This number coincides with a 10% rise in the overall number of students taking the subject, however they continue to outperform their male counterparts. 

Women make up about one in five students taking the GCSE computing exam, and almost a third of them (30%) achieved at least an A/7, compared to less than a quarter (23%) of the boys. 

While the numbers for this school year in Scotland have yet to be released, entries in computing science at the National 5 level – which is roughly the same age demographic as GCSE – grew steadily for the past four years, and 2% last year alone, according to BCS, the chartered institute for IT.

Women outperforming boys was also consistent with Scotland’s reporting, where almost 50% of females achieved an A in the National 5’s compared to roughly 40% of male students. 

In the UK, 69% of leaders feel their organisation suffers from a digital skills gap, and 82% of jobs require digital skills. This means training young people with digital skills is critical for the future strength of our workforce.

“The digital skills gap is an ongoing problem that is not going to disappear overnight and statistics that highlight an increased number of women choosing tech-based subjects is a hugely positive sign that things can get better,” said Sheila Flavell CBE, COO of FDM Group.

“There must be a collective effort to allow women to enter the technology industry, breaking down industry stereotypes, educating them from a young age about the various roles and providing them with support in the workplace regarding barriers such as childcare or returning to work,” she continued. 

The number of women accepted to computing degrees, however, jumps to 26% of admissions at the post-secondary level this year according to data from the University and Colleges Admissions Service. According to them, this is the second consecutive year the gender gap has closed further at the post-secondary level. 

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Despite this, women are still under-represented in the workforce, especially in positions of authority. In Scotland, 23% of the tech workforce is made up of women, and only one in five businesses are women led according to numbers from ScotlandIS. Even though they make up a sizable proportion of business leaders, women-led startups only receive a mere 2% of VC funding. 

“Across the technology sector, organisations must focus on attracting and retaining female employees by putting policies in place that support them in their professional growth and personal choices, empowering them to reach their goals,” said Joanna Kori, head of people at Encompass Corporation.

“As technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, strong female role models will be key to fostering a truly inclusive industry that embraces a range of qualities and experiences to promote innovation.”