University entry maths exam could help post-Brexit Britain

A maths exam for university applicants could help Britain compete in a post-Brexit world, according to a new report.

The “A Global Britain: from local startups to international markets” report suggests that introducing a Sats-style maths exam could improve Britain’s skills.

The document, which was co-wrote by Rachel Wold, a former Downing Street policy advisor, calls for people aged between 16 and 19 to study maths to a level above GCSE.

The Coalition for a Digital Economy (COADEC) found that three major skills are likely to be in high demand in the future, which are: software development, advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills (STEM), and basic skills in English and maths.

According to the report, between 95 and 100 per cent of post-16 pupils in Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Korea, Sweden, Japan, Russia and Taiwan all study maths.

The same figure is between 21 and 50 per cent in Scotland and a lower amount of six and 20 per cent in the UK.

The report states that a system should be in place that requires all 16 and 19-year-olds to study maths in higher education and that basic levels of literacy and numeracy at a GCSE level should be a requirement for all further education.

As a result of this point, the report states that the government could bring in a Sats-style exam in maths for university applicants to take.

However, if the proposals were accepted it would take about ten years to enforce.