We want every young person to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to use digital technologies effectively, and to be able to critically evaluate these technologies and confidently engage with technological change. Our research about gender balance in computing is part of our work to create equitable learning opportunities for all young people, no matter their gender. I would argue that claiming certain fields or jobs are more interesting to people of certain genders helps to perpetuate stigma instead of opening up equal opportunities.

As education is devolved among the national governments in the UK, this research programme was funded by England’s Department for Education to take place in English schools.

That’s a great question – I’m not aware as to whether other subject areas have any data on this. We will have to investigate! However, even with students narrowing down their interests as they get older, the difference in this case is pretty stark.

I wonder how this compares to other subjects? I would have expected this sort of narrowing of “intent to continue” to be normal, since we teach all subjects in primary school, select a few in secondary school, and select a single one in university?