Government Launches £8.2m Plan to Encourage Girls into AI
The government is taking steps to increase the number of girls studying maths at A-level, aiming to open pathways to careers in artificial intelligence (AI). With an £8.3 million investment, the Department for Education (DfE) will support 400 disadvantaged secondary schools across England through the Advanced Maths Support Programme.
This initiative focuses on removing barriers faced by students from underprivileged backgrounds who might not otherwise consider maths qualifications or AI careers. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted the importance of this move: “Today’s brightest maths minds are tomorrow’s AI pioneers."
Addressing Socio-Economic and Digital Barriers
Socio-economic background remains a significant obstacle in accessing certain educational routes. With around 1.7 million UK households lacking internet access, digital exclusion deepens the technology sector’s diversity gap. This gap risks the creation of AI systems with inherent biases due to a lack of diverse perspectives in development teams.
Currently, only one-third of A-Level maths students are girls, and women represent about 22% of those working in AI-related fields. The new funding is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at equalising education opportunities across England regardless of socio-economic status or location.
Linking Maths Education to Future AI Careers
The government’s AI opportunities action plan outlines strategies to boost AI adoption, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Ensuring girls have the support to study advanced maths helps meet both education equality goals and future workforce needs.
Many girls avoid tech careers due to perceptions that related subjects are too difficult, with some later regretting this choice. Starting this September, the updated Advanced Maths Support Programme will include teacher and student training focused on the maths skills necessary for AI careers. This will equip teachers to deliver relevant content and help girls understand what working in AI entails.
Expert Guidance and Next Steps
To align education with digital and AI skill demands, the Education Secretary has established an expert group advising on strategies for students aged 5 to 18. Recommendations, including boosting girls’ participation in maths and AI, come from the Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group, featuring experts from University College London, the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre at Cambridge, and the BCS Schools and Colleges Committee.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle stated: “AI is the defining technology of our generation, improving public services, sparking economic growth, and unlocking future jobs. This support package is the first step in ensuring every young person can develop the skills needed for an AI-powered future.”
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