Girls’ access to Leaving Cert computer science limited, warns I Wish report

New research from the 2026 I Wish Survey of Female Attitudes to STEM shows just over one in four girls attending single‑sex schools have access to computer science at Leaving Cert level.

The 11th annual report collected responses from 662 primary pupils and 1,660 female secondary students to map how girls engage with STEM and envision their future roles in sectors such as AI, cybersecurity and data analytics.

With demand for digital specialists in Ireland projected to rise by almost 30 % over the next four years, the lack of subject availability is seen as a major barrier to continued STEM education for girls.

Sixty percent of respondents said a lack of confidence in their STEM ability deters them from pursuing related careers, a figure that has risen each year since 2024.

More than 60 % also cited the absence of school visits by women working in STEM as harmful, and two‑thirds highlighted gender inequality and insufficient career information as obstacles.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD, attended the survey launch and stressed that Ireland’s competitiveness depends on addressing the gender gap, noting that women currently comprise only one‑fifth of the digital workforce.

I Wish called on government, schools and industry to improve access to STEM subjects, provide robust career guidance and increase exposure to relatable female role models.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: Михаил Крамор / Pexels.