GCSE Computer Science standards reviewed: how will it shape the subject?

19 July 2024

Computer Science is a relatively new GCSE subject and was first introduced in secondary schools in 2011. There have previously been calls by teachers that the Computer Science GCSE is more challenging than other comparative subjects. 

Recently published Ofqual ‘A review of standards in GCSE computer science’ report presents several key findings on the state and the future of computer science as a subject within the national curriculum. We would like to highlight five key takeaways from the report:  

  1. The number of students taking GCSE Computer Science has risen year on year 
  2. Over time gradual changes to grading have had an impact on the standards set compared to other subjects 
  3. Statistically Computer Science has been awarded lower grades compared to other subjects 
  4. The report has recommended that the grading standards in Computer Science need some careful consideration 
  5. The report has suggested the percentages of students been awarded key grades need amending 

So, what does it mean for you and your students? Let’s look at it one at a time and see how the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) can continue to support you.  

Numbers of students in Computer Science 

A huge success for GCSE Computer Science is that year on year the number of students taking the subject has increased. The subject started with just 1,745 entries in 2012 and by 2024 the numbers have risen to nearly 94,000 students.  

The report shows that the percentage of female students taking the subject between 2012 and 2019 has continued to rise to nearly 22% by 2019, however we still have a long way to go to improve diversity and inclusion within the subject. The I Belong programme is designed to support educators to encourage more girls to choose computer science starting at key stage 3.  

Difficulty of the Computer Science GCSE 

A pivotal area the report focuses on is the gradual impact of grading changes in the subject between 2014 and 2019. These incremental changes have had a significant cumulative impact on the overall outcomes of students over time. During this time the number of students taking the subject significantly rose too.  

In 2018, the NCCE was established to support new and existing teachers to teach the subject, focusing on providing high-quality teacher CPD and improving teacher confidence with the Key Stage 3 and GCSE Computer Science subject knowledge certificate. The change in prior attainment of students over time might indicate that computer science is becoming a subject for all students not just the high-ability learners. With this, it is expected and, in a way, positive to see that the attainment of computer science students has reduced showing the subject’s attractiveness to a wider pool of learners not just the high-ability ones.  

Additionally, the report shows that GCSE Computer Science compared to English language, Physics and Maths has been awarding lower grades. The aim of the report is now to decide what are the next steps to reverse this trend. To make a start now, educators can use the Isaac Computer Science platform that supports students to get ready for exams and excel by offering free teacher-designed resources mapped to the topics within all English exam specifications.  

Ofqual's recommendations 

What’s important is that teachers are aware of what this report means for them and their students. The report recommends that consideration be given to the grading standards of Computer Science to bring it in line with other similar subjects. If acted upon this means that in 2024 small changes would be made by awarding bodies. They will need to make changes to the boundaries for grades 9, 7 and 4. There will be a two percentage point rise at 9 and 7, and a 3 percentage point rise will be given at grade 4 to the statistical predictions that are used to support the setting of grade boundaries.  

One clear point the report recurrently makes is that to continue the development of the subject CPD it is vital. This is both on teacher's subject knowledge and also their ability to assess students. The NCCE will continue to help support you and your students so please visit and explore our range of courses free for all state-funded schools and certification for primary and secondary teachers.  

About the author:  

Paul Robson is the Subject Specialist (Computer Science) at the National Centre for Computing Education.