Royal Society reaction to 2018 GCSE results

Frank Kelly, Chair of the Royal Society Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education, said:

“We’d like to congratulate students and teachers on their hard work this year, especially because of the changes to the exam system this year.

"We are delighted to see 74,000 entries to Computing GCSE this year, up 11.8% compared to 2017. We hope to see an increasing rate of uptake next year, especially as this was the last year students could take ICT at GCSE level. Many primary schoolchildren will work in technology-based roles that do not yet exist, so it is essential that future generations can acquire digital skills with confidence.

"Girls making up 19.8% of Computing GCSE entries simply isn’t good enough. Improving the gender balance should remain a priority and will help increase the number of young people with skills in computing.

"We hope to see this year’s students continue to study science, mathematics and computing subjects into A-levels and other pathways. Pursuing STEM subjects provides a strong foundation of quantitative, analytical and digital skills that are an essential part of a broad and balanced education.

"The Royal Society will continue to offer teachers and students support over the coming years as they become more familiar with the reformed qualifications.”