The all-girls St George’s School in Edinburgh will host its third annual Fearless Women in Computing event on Tuesday next week, welcoming schoolgirls from across the city to explore the world of technology.
Open to all girls from P6 to S6 across Edinburgh, the day-long event will feature ‘immersive experiences’, workshops and stalls in collaboration with more than 20 organisations, including The National Robotarium, IBM, and The Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh.
There will also be guest talks on topics such as AI and women in tech, careers in finance and technology, and seeing yourself in computing. Travel tech giant Skyscanner will sponsor transport for girls from state schools, with priority given to pupils from areas of high deprivation.
Last year, the event attracted 600 girls from 13 schools across four council areas and continues to grow in ambition and impact. Its mission: to encourage more girls to pursue computing science in school and beyond.
With girls and women still underrepresented in computing at school and in the wider industry, Toni Scullion—teacher, campaigner, and founder of the non-profit charity dressCode—is collaborating with St George’s to inspire more girls to see a future for themselves in tech.
Toni said: “I founded dressCode after noticing the inequality in computing science when I first became a teacher, and while we have made positive progress, there is still a need for urgent action. Girls almost always outperform boys in computing science through school and university, but as it stands only 23% take the subject at National 5, a percentage that only drops at each level to Advanced Higher.
“The Fearless Women in Computing event is a fantastic initiative. It’s amazing to hear the sounds of high fives and exclamations from the girls when they solve a problem or make something happen. Positive experiences are what people remember and this event is incredible for the pupils; you know that these are moments that will stick with them and form their future choices.”
Toni, pictured with Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head at St George’s, far left, added: “Unfortunately there is no equity of access to Computing Science in Scotland, so not every pupil is fortunate enough to experience Computing Science and decide if it is something they enjoy; the door isn’t just closed, there is no door. If we don’t act now, we won’t see equality in our lifetimes – this event isn’t just a step in the right direction, it’s a critical action to ensure girls are the architects of a future designed for all.”
Scotland needs 13,000 new digital professionals every year but produces only around 5,000, with women making up just 23% of the digital technologies workforce. The gap starts early: the number of girls studying computing science in Scotland has fallen from nearly 10,000 in 2001 to fewer than 2,500 today, making it the STEM subject with the largest gender imbalance.
Founded in 2017, dressCode aims to bridge the gender gap in computing science by engaging, inspiring, and raising awareness about the diverse opportunities available in the tech industry.
Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head at St George’s, added: “Women make up only 22% of the AI workforce, meaning they are being left out of the most influential, high-paying jobs of the future. We know how important it is to show girls from early in their schooling that there is space for them in AI and technology industries, which is why we made Computing Science a core subject from P5 to S2. This summer 80% of our Higher Computing students achieved an A grade– it’s clear that when girls are encouraged to take Computing Science, they thrive.
“Our Fearless Women in Computing event brings together schools, companies and innovators from across Scotland to create a hands-on, inspiring experience for girls across Edinburgh. We have seen first-hand the impact these events can have – hearing the stories of women in the industry, seeing the recent advances in robotics and AI, even “hacking Google” – the day is an eye-opener to the world of computing, and we would encourage as many schools as possible to come along.”
At St George’s, 100% of girls study computing science from P5 to S2, with a focus on building confidence and participation. The school also offers community lessons on Friday afternoons, allowing girls from Edinburgh state schools to benefit from its facilities and expertise.
Silka Patel, chair and founder of Scottish Women in Technology, added: “If you can see it, and believe it, it is a lot easier to achieve it.”
“These wise words by Oprah Winfrey ring true from my experience of working in the technology sector over the last 25 years. Role modelling often starts too late—only after women join the workforce. This is why it is so important to inspire girls while they are still in school so they can visualise their careers.
“In Scotland, we are extremely fortunate to be at the heart of an exciting technology ecosystem with opportunities aplenty to learn as well as meet inspirational women. From space tech to ed tech, the opportunities are endless.”
She added: “This makes events like ‘Fearless Women in Computing’ even more valuable as they open doors to students who can see firsthand the breadth of roles that exist in the sector and the accessibility that exists within it; from technical roles including data scientists and engineers to operational roles covering project management and marketing – there really is a role for everyone.”
The Fearless Women in Computing event takes place on 11 November from 9:30am – 3pm at St George’s School, Edinburgh, and is open to any Edinburgh schoolgirl from P6 to S6.
