At this year’s Labour Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute has partnered with the Observatory for Mathematical Education to hold a public panel on: ‘Why maths education is key to breaking down barriers to opportunity’
Maths is a fundamental skill for work and life. Confidence in maths increasingly shapes everything from household finances and health literacy to employment prospects and participation in an increasingly data-driven economy. But who gets the opportunity to succeed in maths? Effective teaching is often considered to be one of the most influential factors in determining success in maths at school. However, the strongest predictor of how well a child will perform – from primary school through to GCSE – remains their socioeconomic background.
This matters far beyond the classroom. For young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, attaining at least a Grade 4 (Grade C equivalent) in GCSE Mathematics can have a profound impact on life chances, while studying maths at university has one of the strongest positive effects on future earnings – second only to medicine. When young people are locked out of success in maths, they are too often locked out of opportunity itself.
So how can we change this? Progress at scale is never easy, but the successes of programmes such as the National Numeracy Strategy shows that ambitious action in mathematical education can deliver real results. Meaningful improvement will require sustained focus and collective action from government, schools, sector leaders, and researchers working together to strengthen social mobility, improve life chances and unlock the skills and economic potential the country needs to thrive. Change is possible.
This panel discussion will bring together parliamentarians, education leaders and sector experts to think creatively about how to achieve real change to ensure no child is left behind in maths. Drawing on emerging evidence from the Observatory for Mathematical Education, based at the University of Nottingham, the discussion will highlight opportunities for meaningful, system-wide improvement.
Speakers will be announced in due course.
** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Labour Party.**
