£16 million to improve post-16 maths skills

Numbers

A £16 million investment to increase the quality of teaching in post-16 maths is part of government drive to get more students studying maths the subject after GCSE.

The money will boost the capacity of schools, colleges and universities to deliver good quality teaching for post-16 maths courses including Core, A level and further maths.

Education Minister Nick Gibb has set out a series of actions to increase participation in post-16 maths education after a government commissioned review by Professor Sir Adrian Smith.

The plans are to introduce a more rigorous maths curriculum, new AS and A level maths qualifications and high quality “core maths” qualifications so that more young people can secure their first job, an apprenticeship or go on to further study.

While maths continues to be the most popular subject at A level, with 88,000 entries in 2017, up three per cent on last year, almost three quarters of students with an A*-C in GCSE maths at age 16 choose not to continue studying the subject.

The boost in maths education hopes to ensure the future workforce can compete in the global marketplace post Brexit.

In his review, Sir Adrian highlights the value of maths skills for all students, but warns of a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to drive up participation, including tackling the negative perceptions of maths. He has called on government, employers, universities, schools and colleges to take action so that more students choose to study the subject post-16.

Work is already being done on a number of the report’s recommendations, including working with the Institute for Apprenticeships and the Royal Society Advisory Committee on maths education to ensure the design of the new T levels is based on expert mathematical advice.

Work is also be done with the Royal Society and British Academy to encourage universities and employers to better promote the value of maths qualifications

Minister for Schools Standards Nick Gibb said: “A high-quality mathematics education provides young people with the knowledge and skills to secure a good job and to succeed in whatever path they choose.

“We are already making progress with a more rigorous curriculum and this summer we will see young people collecting results in our new GCSEs, which are benchmarked against the best in the world.

“There is, however, more to do to, particularly as we prepare to leave the European Union and compete globally. Sir Adrian’s review will help us focus our efforts and today’s investment is the first step on that vital journey.”

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