By Gavin Mackintosh
England has secured a prominent position among the top-performing countries in the western world for mathematics, according to a recently published worldwide education study.
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), conducted by the OECD, has revealed that England has substantially outperformed the international average, elevating its rank from 17th in 2018 to an impressive 11th in 2023.
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This marks a significant improvement from its 27th position in 2009.
The Department of Education said the government’s commitment to enhancing standards is evident in these results, with England’s dedication to academic excellence clearly paying off.
One of the noteworthy initiatives contributing to this success is the ambitious plan unveiled by the Prime Minister in October – the introduction of the Advanced British Standard (ABS).
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This innovative baccalaureate-style qualification mandates every student in England to study mathematics and English until the age of 18.
In order to support this transformative endeavour, the UK government has already allocated a substantial investment of £60 million over two years to further elevate the quality of maths education and lay the groundwork for the ABS.
Maths is important because of the training it gives the mind when it comes to identifying problems and devising a workable solution. It provides very useful training for the brain and human being which can be applied to real life situations.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan expressed her pride in the accomplishments, stating, “These results are a testament to our incredible teachers, the hard work of students, and to the government’s unrelenting drive to raise school standards over the past 13 years.”
The comprehensive PISA report also highlights England’s commendable performance in reading and science, ranking 13th in both categories. This builds on the country’s positive trajectory since 2018 and 2009, showcasing a holistic improvement in educational standards.
The report emphasizes the equitable nature of England’s education system, ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality education.
Pupils in England expressed higher satisfaction with the quality of their maths lessons and the support provided by their teachers, surpassing the OECD average.
The government’s concerted efforts to elevate maths standards are reflected in various successful initiatives.
England achieved its highest-ever score in primary school maths in TIMSS 2019, with over £100 million invested in the Maths Hubs program.
This flagship Teaching for Mastery offer is set to reach 65% of secondary schools by 2025. The creation of the National Professional Qualification and compulsory multiplication tables checks in primary schools further underline the commitment to fostering mathematical proficiency.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, England has allocated substantial resources, nearly £5 billion, for education recovery measures, including the National Tutoring Programme, which has revolutionized targeted support for students.
The report also notes that the majority of pupils in England reported feeling safe in their schools.
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