Levels of low literacy and numeracy found among young adults in the UK are among the worst in Europe, says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The Society at a Glance 2016 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that, of the 22 countries it compares, only two reported higher levels of low literacy and numeracy than the UK. In the UK, the rate of 18-29 year olds with poor literacy skills was 18 per cent in 2012, compared with an OECD average of 10.8 per cent. The rate of young people with poor numeracy skills was 25.4 per cent, compared with the OECD average of 15.5 per cent.
The newly published Curriculum and Assessment Review recommends the introduction of new level 1 preparation for GCSE qualifications for English language and for maths.
Check out the Skills for Life Network E-News Update November 2025 for a round up of what’s new and what’s happening in maths, English, ESOL and digital skills in the FE and Training sector.
Google Gemini Storybooks uses AI to generate online storybooks based on your prompts. The books include graphics and sound. It works in multiple languages and is free to use.
OECD report highlights poor literacy and numeracy
Levels of low literacy and numeracy found among young adults in the UK are among the worst in Europe, says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The Society at a Glance 2016 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that, of the 22 countries it compares, only two reported higher levels of low literacy and numeracy than the UK. In the UK, the rate of 18-29 year olds with poor literacy skills was 18 per cent in 2012, compared with an OECD average of 10.8 per cent. The rate of young people with poor numeracy skills was 25.4 per cent, compared with the OECD average of 15.5 per cent.
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