The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has outlined his vision to ensure every young person has the maths skills they need to succeed, with a new expert group leading the review into how best to deliver maths to 18 for all.
Speaking to an audience of students, teachers, education experts and business leaders in North London, the PM argued that maths is vital for providing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the jobs of the future.
Despite it being a core skill which is “every bit as essential as reading”, the PM said that the value of maths is often overlooked and poor attainment is regarded as “socially acceptable”.
The PM reaffirmed his ambition to ensure that every young person studies some form of maths up to the age of 18. This will not mean every pupil studying maths A-Level. Instead, government will work to ensure that we have the right teaching framework and qualifications in place to deliver maths to 18 in the most effective way for students of all abilities.
A new advisory group, comprising of mathematicians, education leaders and business representatives, will be established to advise government on the core maths content that students need to succeed in future. Taking evidence from countries which have high rates of numeracy and from employers across the country, the group will also advise on whether a new maths qualification is required for 16-18 year olds.
The Prime Minister also committed to extending Maths Hubs – unique partnerships of schools and colleges coming together to support maths teaching – as well as introduce a new voluntary and fully funded professional qualification for teachers leading maths in primary schools.
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