AI may be turning pupils off studying GCSE computing, exam board leader suggests

Alison Kershaw, Press Association

The rising use of AI could lead students to believe they no longer need to learn key computing skills such as coding, it has been suggested.

Official figures show a fall in the proportion of entries for GCSE computing this summer, and the emergence of the new technology has been given as a potential reason for the decline.

Data published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) shows the subject is still relatively popular, with 85,096 entries this summer.

But this is down from 91,619 in 2025 – a fall of 7.1%.

One exam board leader suggested AI means computing skills are still important for students to learn.

Myles McGinley, managing director of Cambridge OCR exam board, said: “I think despite a decline from a historic high, computer science remains a very popular GCSE. I think there could be a number of different reasons.

“This is speculation, but I think the emergence of AI could be leading to students thinking they don’t need to learn how to code.

“But I would say maybe that’s something that would be up for debate.

“I think potentially computer science is more important than ever in the age of AI, and while vibe coding might be all the rage, I think AI won’t be able to replace a solid understanding of how software works, how technology can solve real-world problems, and how it can create a good user experience for example.”

The JCQ’s data, which covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland, also shows GCSE business studies continues to prove popular with students.

There were almost 150,000 entries for the qualification (148,747) this summer, up 7.8% on last year.

The subject has seen a 40% increase in entries over the last five years, according to John Croker, the AQA exam board’s responsible officer and director of oversight, risk and compliance.

Mr McGinley said an interest among students in running their own businesses may be driving the rise.

He said: “This looks like an increasingly entrepreneurial generation, fascinated by how business works. The founders of some of the next great unicorn businesses may well be among those achieving GCSEs in business studies today.”

Among other subjects, statistics has seen a leap in popularity, with entries up 11.2% on last year to 38,770.

And entries for PE have seen another year-on-year bump – with 92,191 entries compared with 89,584, in 2025 – a 2.9% increase.

Last year entries were up 2.0% on 2024.

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