A sharp rise in the number of youngsters sitting the GCSE in IT has
raised hopes that the image of the profession is improving.
The number of students taking GCSE IT rose by over 14%, from 98,000
to 111,000 this year. The number taking short GCSE courses was up
11.4% and entry-level GCSE take-up rose by 17.9%.
The increase coincides with a significant growth in the number of
older students taking IT at A-level. Many students are choosing to
take a one-year IT course to supplement their main A-level
choices.
The news has raised hopes that the IT profession may be beginning
to lose its nerdy image. Research by the E-Skills National Training
Organisation has shown that youngsters, particularly girls, are
often put off the subject at an early age.
The number of girls taking IT at GCSE level is still lagging.
Currently they comprise just 40% of candidates.
