IT-Related A-Levels Decline

The number of students taking IT-related A-levels has dropped 24 percent since 2005, according to new figures, bolstering fears that the UK will be unable to provide the IT skills base neededed to maintain its information-based economy.

According to A-level examination results published on Thursday, 16,251 students gained computing and ICT A-levels, compared with 21,450 students five years ago.

Substantial decrease

Computing A-levels were taken by 4,065 students, compared to 4,710 last year, a drop of 13.7 percent.

ICT A-levels showed a slight increase of 2 percent, or 238 students, to 12,186, compared with 11,948 last year. This still represents the same 1.4 percent proportion of the total number of examinations, according to the figures. Thirty-eight percent of the ICT A-level students were female.

The figures have declined substantially since 2003, when 16,106 students took the ICT examination and 8,488 took the computing exam.

The ICT examination covers the processing and communication of information using computer systems as well as understanding the use of ICT within a business context. The computing A-level covers hardware, software and programming techniques.

‘Highly negative impact’

A report released earlier this month by the Royal Society found that the design and delivery of ICT and computer science curricula in UK schools was seriously undermining students’ ability to take an interest in the subjects.

“The effects of this, coupled with dwindling student numbers, mean that, unless significant improvements are made, the deficit in the workforce numbers and capability could have a highly negative impact on the UK’s economy,” the report stated.

In March the European Commission launched E-Skills Week, a scheme to highlight the lack of technical skills in Europe.

In July a cyber-security challenge was launched to help address the UK’s shortage of IT security skills.