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Computing enjoyed a surge in popularity in 2018 with a 24% increase in the number of students taking the subject across the UK this year compared to last, writes Pamela Duncan, our data journalist.



Although the majority taking the subject are boys (88%) the proportion of girls taking the subject crept up from 9.8% in 2017 to 11.8% this year.

Participation among boys and girls grew in other STEM subjects including chemistry and physics (up 3.4% on the previous year), biology (up 3.1%) and mathematics (up 2.5%).

Conversely, there were drops in participation in geography (down 11.3%), English literature (down 4.6%) and history (down 2.7%).

Northern Ireland outperformed their English counterparts with a higher proportion of students achieving A*-A grades and A*-C grades.



Almost 85% of Northern Irish students sitting their A-levels achieved a C grade or better compared to 76.8% in England and 76.3% in Wales.Northern Ireland outperformed their English counterparts with a higher proportion of students achieving A*-A grades and A*-C grades.



Almost 85% of Northern Irish students sitting their A-levels achieved a C grade or better compared to 76.8% in England and 76.3% in Wales.