As reported in The Standard, girls and pupils from disadvantaged secondary schools will be prioritised in a new government push to encourage more young people into maths and AI-related careers
Ministers have announced a funding package of £8.2 million as part of the Advanced Maths Support Programme, with the investment directed at around 400 disadvantaged secondary schools. The initiative is expected to support approximately 7,500 girls, helping to close gender and opportunity gaps in both education and the tech sector.
Starting this September, the programme will also include student enrichment courses and pilot teacher training programmes, expected to benefit 450 students and 360 teachers, according to the Department for Education.
Currently, girls make up only around one-third of A-level maths students, and just 22% of the workforce in AI-related jobs are women. The government says these figures highlight a need to break down the barriers that have historically limited access to these fields.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Today’s brightest maths minds are tomorrow’s AI pioneers, and this government is opening the door for groups who have so far been left behind in the AI revolution.
Through our Plan for Change, we are breaking down barriers to opportunity, backing our young people, and going further and faster for AI growth – ensuring the next generation can progress in the exciting careers of the future.”
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