Over the last decade, England has made remarkable strides in mathematics education, rising to 6th globally from 18th in 2003, according to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023. This achievement is a testament to the effective strategies and sustained investments made in our educational infrastructure. At Etio, we are proud to have been at the forefront of this transformative journey, contributing significantly through the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM).
The centrally driven, subject specialist hub model has been a significant contributing factor to this success. The NCETM leverages a central team of maths education specialists to develop high-quality professional development. This professional development is delivered through a national network of 40 Maths Hubs, each led by a designated Lead School and supported by local leaders of mathematics education, who work directly with teachers to develop and embed practice in schools across their area.
This comprehensive delivery model has not only elevated the standards of maths education but also ensured that every state-funded primary and secondary school in England can access evidence-informed maths professional development and support. As of 2024, 57% of all primary and secondary schools in England were actively engaged with the Maths Hubs Programme.
The TIMSS assessment provides invaluable insights into the performance and attitudes of pupils in mathematics. In 2023, both Year 5 and Year 9 pupils in England scored significantly above the TIMSS centrepoint and the international average. Particularly noteworthy is the improvement trajectory from 2003 to 2023, underscoring the effectiveness of our educational strategies even amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, while top performers continue to excel, challenges remain, particularly in supporting maths attainment between these students and their peers. These areas highlight the need for targeted interventions and continued innovation in our educational approaches.
The link between strong maths skills and economic outcomes cannot be overstated. Improved maths education contributes directly to better GCSE results, which in turn are associated with higher lifetime earnings. Through the work of the Maths Hubs, we are ensuring that all children—regardless of prior attainment or background—are supported to thrive in mathematics, contributing to improved outcomes and wider economic productivity.
As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain and even increase investment in maths education. We believe the following measures can assist with this:
The journey of improving maths education in England is ongoing, and while we celebrate our achievements, we remain committed to addressing the remaining challenges. By fostering a robust, inclusive, and forward-looking maths education system, we can ensure that all students in England have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our society's economic and social vitality.