Independent charity National Numeracy welcomes Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s expected speech today in which he is due to set out his intent to alter the UK’s ‘anti-maths mindset’. We believe his vision needs to widen from its current focus on 16 to 18 year-olds.
Sam Sims, Chief Executive of National Numeracy said: “Addressing poor numeracy needs to start much earlier than 16. We need a ‘cradle to career’ vision for numeracy in the UK focussing on maths in real life.
“Changing the 'can't do maths' mindset is a massive undertaking that must involve adults and children, starting from our earliest experiences. It will require reform across the entire formal learning journey, not just from 16.
“In our charity’s decade of experience of supporting adults and children with poor numeracy, we know that confidence is already damaged, and minds are already set against maths by GCSE.
