Edge Hill University

07/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2026 07:58

Women in Computer Science: How Edge Hill is Supporting Future Talent

Women in Computer Science: How Edge Hill is Supporting Future Talent

Edge Hill University is helping young women to see a future for themselves in technology through a new initiative designed to build confidence, skills and a sense of belonging in computer science.

Sparking interest and showing what's possible

The Department of Computer Science recently partnered with the British Computer Society (BCS) to deliver the Levelling Up: Computer Science (LUCS) programme. Importantly, this national initiative founded by Dr Tony Hill and externally funded, aims to increase female participation in the subject.

Led by Dr Sarah McHale, the programme welcomed Year 12 pupils from local schools, colleges and sixth forms to campus for an innovative five-day experience in June 2026.

Here's what Dr Sarah McHale, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, shared about the event:

"Having witnessed first-hand the underrepresentation of females in the computer science environment over many years, I relished the opportunity to lead the Levelling Up Computer Science programme. Although I run the Tech Women's Club within the Computer Science department, initiatives like this take my passion further, since we were able to reach out to the wider younger generation in local schools, colleges and sixth forms.

Levelling Up has been vital in inspiring the next female generation of Computer Scientists: the key was using female undergraduate students to tutor computer skills such as Cyber Security and AI. This allowed us to see the positive impact of mentorship, not only in the transfer of skills but also in sharing their student life experience. Seeing how the tutors lifted up the youngsters and how they in turn related to the female student tutors as role models was truly wonderful."

Learning new skills in a supportive environment

Across the week, the pupils explored key areas of computer science through interactive seminars, designed by the BCS. For example, sessions included 'Cyber Security and Digital Forensics', and 'Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning'. Delivered in small groups, Edge Hill undergraduate students supported the sessions, creating an approachable and encouraging learning environment.

Participants also attended sessions on university applications, degree choices and computer science career pathways. This helped pupils understand not just what to study, but where the industry could take them.

Grace Arbon Black, a Year 12 student from Ormskirk School, said:

"I really enjoyed all the sessions. Data science really surprised me, as I hadn't realised how it combines statistics, probability and coding. I learned how large amounts of data can be presented as something more human-friendly, like graphs and models that solve complex problems.

I also really enjoyed the digital forensics session. Learning how cybersecurity specialists identify suspicious activity and trace it back helped me better understand digital footprints and what a career in cybersecurity might involve."

Everlyn So, a pupil from Cardinal Newman College, said:

"I loved the fact that Levelling Up was taught by the undergraduate tutors. It was brilliant and truly informative."

Overall, the students' feedback shows that these topics helped young female students understand different areas within computer science while building confidence.

Learning from student mentors

Crucially, undergraduate students played a central role in creating this supportive environment, acting as mentors and role models throughout the week. By learning alongside current students, participants could see what studying Computer Science at Edge Hill is really like. They also experienced first-hand the support available if they choose to take that next step.

Ruby Houghton, a current BSc (Hons) Computing student who supported the programme, said:

"During my time on the Levelling Up project, I tutored students in data science and artificial intelligence while also delivering a campus tour. Teaching the students helped me develop my confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the subject myself.

It was incredibly rewarding to see their enthusiasm grow throughout the sessions, and by the end of the programme many of them felt empowered to continue exploring their interest in computer science. Being part of the project allowed me to support and encourage young women considering careers in technology, while also developing my own communication and leadership skills."

Noor ul Huda Shah, a different student tutor said:

"I was involved in two sessions during the Levelling Up event, covering HCI and AI and Machine Learning … It helped me develop my confidence in explaining computing topics to younger students. I think events like this are important because they help students feel more confident and give them a better understanding of the opportunities available in the field."

Beryl Odingo, another participating student who tutored some of the events, said:

"The session was a refreshing mix of computer science fundamentals wrapped with [conversations about] natural hair-care tips during our campus walk. For me, the highlight was watching one student confidently explain a solution that had challenged the whole room. I went in hoping to share my love of computing but left equally inspired by their curiosity and confidence."

Creating an inclusive and encouraging environment remains central to LUCS. This programme helps address the gender gap in Computer Science and shows young women they belong in the field.

Looking ahead, Edge Hill plans to run the programme again over the next two years. The University will continue to support students who may not typically consider computer science. The initiative helps them build confidence, develop in-demand skills and pursue careers in tech.

July 1, 2026

Edge Hill University published this content on July 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 01, 2026 at 13:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]