This episode looks the vital contribution of mathematics to the UK, focusing on a debate happening in Westminster Hall. We explore how maths education is structured in England, from primary schools to universities, highlighting attainment levels and disparities for disadvantaged pupils. We'll look at popular qualifications like A Levels and programs like the AMSP and Multiply aimed at improving skills. Discover the economic impact of mathematical sciences, estimated at £495 billion in 2023, and hear about calls for a National Mathematics Strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• A Westminster Hall debate on the contribution of maths to the UK is scheduled for 5 June 2025.
• Mathematical sciences are estimated to have contributed £495 billion to the UK economy in 2023.
• While 73% of primary students met the expected standard in maths in 2024, only 59% of disadvantaged pupils did.
• At GCSE level in 2024, 65% achieved a standard pass in English and Maths, but only 43% of disadvantaged pupils met this threshold.
• Maths is the most popular A Level subject, but entries are majority male.
• The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) supports post-16 maths and is adapting its focus, partly towards maths for AI and machine learning.
• The Multiply programme offered free numeracy courses for adults but closed on 31 March 2025.
• There are calls for a National Mathematics Strategy and increased investment in teaching, research, and collaboration.

Important Definitions & Concepts:

• Maths Hubs: A network supporting state-funded schools in England to improve maths education, coordinated by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. They promote a 'teaching for mastery' approach.
• Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP): A government-funded program providing resources and support to improve post-16 maths teaching and increase participation, particularly for under-represented groups.
• Multiply programme: A £560 million government initiative (2022-2025) offering free numeracy courses to adults to improve functional maths skills.

Source:

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.