Computing Science Summary Report: Scottish Government Computing Science Meeting Series: March 2026

Conclusion

The challenges facing Computing Science are multi-faceted and, in some cases, long-standing. However, as this report evidences, there are a range of innovative approaches already being undertaken across Scotland to overcome barriers, which could help signal a way forward at a national level.

This report presents a range of actions which, if pursued, have the potential to improve teaching and learning in Computing Science. Evidence has shown that Computing Science education plays a key role in the tech ecosystem and as such, overcoming the identified barriers holds benefits not only for Computing Science teachers, but also the children and young people in their skills development and future opportunities, and for the Scottish economy more broadly.

Good progress has been made in a number of areas relating to Computing Science teaching and learning in recent years, as evidenced by the increase in girls opting to take National Courses in the subject and improving pass rates. We are also assured by the quality of the overall professional learning offer even if for some this can be hard to access. These improvements are the result of a range of factors and have been supported by dedicated teachers and organisations that are working hard to help the subject thrive.

As identified within this report, there are also a range of ongoing national initiatives, including the ongoing Curriculum Improvement Cycle, which present significant opportunities for further progress to be made in tackling many of the key challenges identified in this report, in the years to come.

The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to work with stakeholders to build on progress that has been made, and the findings of this report will feed into ongoing policy considerations at a national level.