7
Acknowledged
The picture between and within different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds is similarly complex, however, pupils...
Conclusion
The picture between and within different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds is similarly complex, however, pupils from some backgrounds, such as Black Caribbean, are clearly underrepresented across STEM subjects at both GCSE and A-level. Others, such as pupils from Chinese backgrounds, are often well- represented.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the underrepresentation of some ethnic backgrounds in STEM subjects at GCSE and A-level, but highlights increased STEM participation in higher education among Asian, Black, Mixed, and Other ethnic groups.
Paragraph Reference
71
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As mentioned in paragraph 6, we recognise that there is still some way to go to improve the numbers of young people from these different backgrounds taking STEM subjects at GCSE and A Level. The data below shows that, despite this, in higher education, Asian, Black, Mixed and Other ethnic group UK pupils are more likely to study STEM than their White counterparts and that the number of Asian, Black, Mixed and Other ethnic group UK pupils in STEM courses has grown substantially in the past few years: • In 2022, 52% of UK Asian, Black, Mixed and Other ethnic group applicants accepted to full time undergraduate HE (Higher Education) were accepted onto STEM subjects, compared to 46% of White accepted applicants; • Between 2019 and 2022, there was a 22% increase in the number of Asian, Black, Mixed and Other ethnic group applicants from the UK accepted onto full-time undergraduate STEM courses; • In 2022, 53% of Asian pupils, 48% of Black pupils, 44% of mixed pupils and 47% of pupils from Other backgrounds studying full-time undergraduate courses were studying STEM subjects, compared to 46% of White pupils studying full- time undergraduate courses. The Department for Education has also collated and published two evidence notes on outcomes by ethnicity, both in schools and after leaving school. We continue to closely monitor performance by ethnicity across key outcomes and undertake analysis into the drivers of attainment across the education sector.
Source
Inquiry
Diversity and inclusion in STEM
Report
Fifth Report - Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
24 Mar 2023
HC 95
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.2 yrs
Report published
24 Mar 2023