Britain worse than Estonia and Finland in international education rankings

Britain's teenagers are continuing to lag behind their peers according to a major report
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Pippa Crerar6 December 2016

Britain's teenagers are continuing to lag behind their peers in other countries when it comes to science, maths and reading, a major international report has found.

The study, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, assesses how students could use their knowledge and skills in real life, rather than just being able to repeat facts and figures.

Although the UK performs above the OECD average in science and reading, it is more mediocre in maths.

It trails Singapore, Japan and small European nations such as Estonia, Finland and Norway, according to the latest triennial Programme for International Student Assessment.

Singapore was in first place across all subjects. The UK came 15th for science, up from 21st, fell to 27th for maths, a drop of one place, and was 22nd in reading, up from 23rd.

The study involved half a million 15-year-olds across the world.

In science, Britain’s teenagers scored 509 points, down from last year’s 514, but above the OECD average of 493. It put the country on a par with Germany and the Netherlands, slightly above Switzerland, Ireland and Belgium, but below New Zealand, Slovenia and Australia.

In reading, the UK’s teenagers scored 498 points — down from last year’s 499, but above the OECD average of 493.

The results put the country level with Portugal, slightly above Chinese Taipei and the US, but below France and Belgium.

In maths, the UK’s teenagers scored 492 points — down from last year’s 494, and only just above the OECD average of 490. It put the country on a par with the likes of the Czech Republic and Portugal. Singapore had a score of 564.

Schools standards minister Nick Gibb said: “We are determined to give all young people the world-class education they need to fulfil their potential. It is encouraging to see so many young people setting their ambitions high, as we know science is valued by employers and is linked to higher earnings.”

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said: “After six years of turmoil in our schools, we have not made the progress we were promised by the Tories.”

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