The UK government is setting up a review to ensure that pupils in England study Maths up to the age of 18, without making an A-Level in the subject compulsory.
An advisory group will consider what Maths skills students need and whether a new Maths qualification is necessary.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has argued that an “anti-maths mindset” is damaging the economy.
Labour has accused the Conservatives of repeatedly missing their target for new Maths teachers and has stated that delivering improvements requires more Maths teachers.
Sunak announced earlier this year that UK government wanted all pupils in England to study maths in some form up to the age of 18, but he did not provide much detail on how to achieve this.
During a speech in London, Sunak provided more information about his plan, including details of a new advisory group made up of mathematicians, education leaders, and business representatives.
The panel will study countries with high rates of numeracy and will consider whether to introduce a new maths qualification for 16 to 18-year-olds.
The prime minister will also commit to introducing “a voluntary and fully funded qualification” for teachers leading maths in primary schools and extending Maths Hubs – groups aimed at improving the teaching of maths.
Observers expect the prime minister to criticize the “anti-maths mindset” that considers being bad at maths as “socially acceptable”. He will also argue that maths is not just “nice to have” but rather essential for economic growth.
The Royal Society stated that the prime minister’s plans were “reassuring,”. But they also acknowledged that it would not be easy to undertake a “radical reform” of the way maths is taught.
Fifteen-year-olds in the UK ranked 18th in the world for attainment in maths based on tests taken in 2019.
