Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 45
45
Accepted
Paragraph: 186
Strong case exists for improving young people's mathematical skills up to age 18
Conclusion
There is a strong case for improving young people’s mathematical and problem- solving skills. The Government’s proposal to introduce compulsory maths up to 18 is a welcome and ambitious pledge. England is an international outlier in not requiring the study of maths up to 18. There is rising demand from employers for mathematical and quantitative skills at all levels of the labour market, but consistent undersupply of these skills. Society and jobs are likely to become ever more data- driven, meaning that those with poor mathematical skills are at risk of being left behind.
Government Response Summary
The government reiterates the Prime Minister's mission for all young people to study maths to age 18 to boost numeracy skills. It confirms it has already convened an expert advisory group to advise on the appropriate maths content and implementation within the post-16 education system.
Paragraph Reference:
186
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Prime Minister has set out that our future economic growth depends on combating poor numeracy and maximising the potential of all young people. Poor numeracy costs our economy tens of billions a year and can leave people twice as likely to be unemployed as those with competent numeracy. We need to fundamentally change our education system so that it gives our young people the knowledge and skills they need, and that our businesses need, to compete with the best in the world. The Prime Minister has therefore set a new mission for all young people to study maths to age 18, equipping them with the skills they need for the modern economy. Our driving principle is to ensure that all young people are equipped with the right maths knowledge and skills to thrive, whatever their chosen pathway. We welcome the committee’s interest in this developing area, including recommending the establishment of an expert panel to underpin development. The Government has already convened an expert advisory group to advise on what the right maths content should look like, and how this should be reflected in a post-16 education system in which all young people study maths to age 18.