We're proud to announce that Risedale School has been recognised for our commitment to encouraging gender inclusion in Computer Science by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). We've successfully completed the national ‘I Belong: Encouraging Girls into Computer Science Programme’, demonstrating our commitment to encouraging girls into Computer Science and improving the gender balance within the subject. The ‘I Belong’ certificate is awarded by the NCCE, a leading body for computing education in England.

Risedale School Headteacher,  Lucy Greenwood, said: “Encouraging more girls to explore pathways into STEM-based careers is not only a national and international priority, it is a school priority.  I am passionate about the empowerment of young women and this wonderful programme supports them to consider computer science in a different light, raises awareness of gender balance in STEM subjects and champions equality.  Respect is at the heart of equality and that is what we wish to nurture at Risedale.” 

Head of Computer Science at Risedale, Jess Rodgers, said: “I've always been passionate about encouraging more girls to pursue Computing and receiving the I Belong certificate is a tremendous honour and a testament to our ongoing commitment to inclusion through technology. This achievement marks an important step, but our work doesn’t end here. I’m confident that together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact and drive greater gender balance in Computing and STEM.”

We successfully completed all aspects of the programme to achieve the I Belong programme certificate. The evidence-informed programme signposts to a range of activities and approaches most likely to support girls’ engagement with the subject.

Katherine Ellis, Gender Inclusion Lead at the NCCE, said: “Congratulations to Risedale School on this accomplishment! Schools play a crucial part in addressing the gender gap in computer science education and related careers. This school is among others leading the way in understanding the issue and creating change at a local level. This certificate recognises the efforts the school has gone to, to support and empower all students, especially girls, in choosing this path.”

Established in 2018 and funded by the Department for Education, the NCCE has been instrumental in advancing computing education across schools in England, providing professional development courses, resources, and guidance to enhance teaching and learning.

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