The UK government has announced an £8.2 million investment aimed at encouraging more girls to study advanced maths and pursue careers in artificial intelligence (AI), addressing a
longstanding gender gap in STEM education and industries.
Currently, only one in three A-level maths students are girls, and women make up just 22% of the workforce in AI-related roles such as software engineering and data science. To tackle this, the government’s "Plan for Change" will support around 7,500 girls from 400 disadvantaged secondary schools, aiming to break the link between socio-economic background and success in STEM fields.
The funding will enhance the Advanced Maths Support Programme, which now includes pilot schemes for teacher training and student enrichment focused on key mathematical skills relevant to AI. Starting in September, 450 students and 360 teachers are expected to benefit from this initiative.
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”.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader AI Action Plan, which aims to create a more diverse and robust AI talent pipeline.
In parallel, the government has launched a new expert panel—the Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group—led by Sir Kevan Collins. The group will assess the current 5-18 education system and provide recommendations to ensure students gain the digital and AI skills required for the future workforce. Members include leading experts such as Professor Rose Luckin from UCL and Dr. Sue Sentance from the University of Cambridge.
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”.
The plan represents a significant move toward a more inclusive and future-ready education system, designed to keep the UK at the forefront of AI innovation. Photo by Jernej Furman from Slovenia, Wikimedia commons.
