Ensuring high-quality mathematics education for all is a national priority. From the highest levels of mathematical excellence to everyday numeracy, our future prosperity depends on developing young people who are confident and capable with mathematics and data. Yet many school leavers do not achieve the strong foundation of a good GCSE in Mathematics by age 16. And while A level Mathematics entries are at an historic high, there are disparities, such as too few girls continuing their study of mathematics after GSCE. Previous work from the Observatory for Mathematical Education highlighted systemic weaknesses, such as the falling away of high attaining learners eligible for free school meals through Key Stage 3.
Although the recently published Curriculum and Assessment Review final report highlighted the mathematics disadvantage gap, it didn’t identify specific solutions for it – although, in its response to the report, the Government committed to tackling this problem and will invest in a pilot programme to address it. Despite this, there remains a gap in our understanding in terms of the educational factors that are associated with persistent mathematics-related inequalities and what strategies in this area have the potential to make a tangible difference.
This timely roundtable brought together politicians, educational leaders and sector experts to discuss ways to break down barriers and promote excellence, and collaborate to drive system-wide improvement in mathematics education for all.
Partner with us
This roundtable was an invitation-only event as part of the Education Policy Institute’s partnership programme. To discuss running a private roundtable with EPI, please contact Tim Archer (tim.archer@epi.org.uk) or Adam Richards-Gray (adam.richards-gray@epi.org.uk) – or you can find out more about wider partnership opportunities here
