The latest SQA statistics are another strong showcase of the hard work and talent of pupils and teachers in Computing Science across Scotland. In 2026, Computing Science recorded the highest overall pass rate of any traditional STEM subject at both Higher and Advanced Higher - ahead of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology at both levels, and only narrowly behind Chemistry at National 5. This attainment is a real cause for celebration for our subject, and a strong indicator for parents and guardians that this is a subject where their children can achieve great success.

It's important to recognise that while this is good news for the subject and should be celebrated, Computing Science still faces a long-standing issue with the gender gap. It has the largest gender gap compared to other traditional STEM subjects, and has done so for years.

What the data makes clear, though, is that this is not an attainment gap - it's an engagement gap. In every single year from 2022 to 2026, at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, female pupils who take Computing Science out-perform their male peers, both on top grades and on overall pass rate. This pattern shows up across most STEM subjects, most years - but Computing Science is the only one of the five with a perfect record on both measures, at every level, every year.

Female pupils who study Computing Science do not just keep pace with male pupils - they lead. The problem is how few get the chance to try it in the first place: Computing Science has the largest gender gap compared to any other traditional STEM subject and has done for years.

The subject also has a persistent problem with equity of access - ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to experience Computing Science and discover if it is something they enjoy.

This........

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