The government will re-introduce computer science for GCSE-aged children from 2016 in a bid to help boost the digital economy.
The syllabus will include coding and programming - two skills desperately needed in the UK digital space - in addition to logical and creative thinking and designing programmes such as computer games.
Prime Minister David Cameron revealed the plans for the new qualification yesterday, alongside plans to launch the National College for Digital Skills, which will encourage youngsters to embrace the digital skills they need to work in IT.
The college will open in 2015, playing home to 1,000 students a year. It will initially be based in London with plans to open up branches around the UK in the future. The Tech Partnership, supported by some of the world's tech leaders such as IBM and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will advise the government on the subjects students should be studying to remain competitive.
In addition to these two educational initiatives, Cameron also revealed the government would launch a 67 million bursary fund towards the university tuition fees of those who wish to pursue a career as a maths or science teacher.
The Prime Minister said 15,000 existing teachers will be retrained to teach scientific subjects and 2,500 additional teachers will be recruited in maths and physics.
"If countries are going to win in the global race and children compete and get the best jobs, you need mathematicians and scientists, pure and simple. So today, we commit to deliver more maths and science teachers," Cameron said.
"This is all part of our long-term economic plan for Britain, making sure our children have the skills they need to thrive and get on," he continued.
Following news of the campaign to get children interested in technology, Cameron launched The Hour of Code campaign that aims to teach kids how to code in just 60 minutes.
