More GCSE Students Choose Computing Over PE for the First Time

More students are choosing to study computing at GCSE level than PE for the first time since the technology-based subject was introduced.

There were 81,120 entries for computing across all UK candidates, compared with 79,924 for PE, according to the latest figures from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

The number of students choosing to study PE has been falling since 2016. In 2014, 112,971 pupils chose to pursue it at GCSE, rising to a high of 125,120 two years later but falling thereafter.

In contrast, computing’s popularity has soared from just 16,773 entries in 2014 when the course was first available, to almost five times that figure this year.

Sue Wilkinson MBE, afPE CEO, said:

I am obviously disappointed if GCSE PE numbers have declined.

At a time when physical health and emotional wellbeing is a priority for the nation, one would hope more young people would pick PE.

Eileen Marchant, former afPE Chair, said:

We understand that computer technology plays a huge role in the lives of young people nowadays; perhaps they see this as an important aspect of career opportunities.

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