Jessica O'ConnorThrough the Government’s Plan for Change, around 7,500 girls will be eligible for support as part of a new £8.2m funding package to improve participation and teaching of advanced maths.
Currently only a third of A level maths pupils are girls, while currently only 22% of professionals working in artificial intelligence (AI) related roles like software engineer or data science are women.
The funding, part of the refreshed Advanced Maths Support Programme, will target support to thousands of pupils from 400 disadvantaged secondary schools – breaking the link between background and success so all young people have the chance to progress in careers of the future.
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.”
The updated Advanced Maths Support Programme will include pilot teacher training and student enrichment courses on the key maths concepts and skills needed for AI.
This is set benefit 450 students and 360 teachers from September onwards.
Science Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “AI is the defining technology of our generation, improving our public services, sparking fresh economic growth, and unlocking the jobs of the future.
“We can only harness that potential if we have a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.
“This package of support will help us deliver our Plan for Change and do exactly that. This is the first step in our plan to give every young person in the country the opportunity to develop the tools which will put them front and centre in delivering our AI-powered future.”
