A variety of barriers and influences So, what factors are putting girls off STEM subjects? Our research shows that their main reasons for not choosing to study STEM topics include: being better or gaining better grades in humanities or other essay based subjects; not finding STEM subjects as interesting; STEM subjects not being relevant to the career they plan to choose; teachers not making STEM subjects appealing; and the need to get the highest possible grade, as this influences both university entrance and future career options. A further finding is that girls are more influenced than boys by their likely choice of future career when choosing A-Level subjects. Some 53% of girls say their preferred career was a factor in their choice of “Although heavily involved in STEM subjects A-Levels, compared to just 43% of boys. So girls are at a younger age, I was discouraged by the thinking ahead – but the future they’re envisaging sexism that surrounded me when I took part for themselves doesn’t usually involve a career in competitions and conventions.” in technology. Female pre-university student 52% of males are studying a STEM subject at university, compared to 30% of females Women in Tech – Time to close the gender gap 6