Record numbers of young people are choosing computer science at A-level and studying the subject at degree level, according to experts.

Computer science is the fastest growing STEM A-level, with numbers in England rising by 12 per cent, compared to 6.4 per cent overall for other STEM subjects; Maths and Further Maths, Computer Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Analysis by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, also found that this year has seen the highest number of young Brits placed on computer science degrees in a decade, with UCAS data revealing an increase of 5 per cent in comparison with 2020.

The IT body said data shows that the number of students placed on computer science degrees has surged by 60 per cent over the past 10 years.

There has also been a 9 per cent increase in women placed on undergraduate computer science degrees in the UK.

More girls than ever took Computer Science A-level this year, with today’s figures showing an increase of 13 per cent on 2020.

The numbers of girls choosing computer science A-level in 2021 has increased by over 350 per cent since 2015, according to a study of A-level results data by BCS.

There are variations across the UK countries, with the number of students from England placed on Computer Science degree courses up by 6 per cent; from Scotland up 5 per dent; Wales remains the same, and Northern Ireland down 14 per cent.

In Scotland, computer science is also increasing in popularity with data showing a 7 per cent increase in the number of students awarded Computer Science Higher.

“More young people than ever before are choosing to study Computer Science at university,” said Julia Adamson, director of education, BCS. “Computing is a rich and creative subject which can lead to exciting and rewarding careers as well as skills which are in high demand from employers, and will help to address the digital skills gap.”

Adamson added: “We’re particularly pleased to see rising numbers of female students choosing to study computer science at A-level and as a degree and hope this will lead to an increasingly diverse workforce in tech industries.”

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