The Prime Minister today announced further work to deliver his maths to 18 policy with an advisory group being formed to help guide the work. Commenting on the news, Professor Ulrike Tillmann, President of the London Mathematical Society said:
"Maths is critical to the future success of our nation’s young people, and we greatly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to strengthening the provision of maths teaching.
"The world is changing and more maths - from numeracy to mathematical proof, from algorithms to statistics - will help prepare the next generation for life and a job market that is more data-driven and requires quantitative skills at all levels.
"Naturally this means also supporting and training more maths teachers, and it is right that this is central to the government's plans."
Furthermore, Professor Catherine Hobbs, Vice-President of the London Mathematical Society added:
"Maths plays a crucial role in our understanding of all the sciences as well giving young people the skills to interpret data and technical information in an increasing digital world. We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to improving the maths skills of our young people, so they are better prepared for the rapidly changing job market.
"The advisory group is an important step forward, recognising that improving the mathematical pipeline is not just the responsibility of mathematicians but of education leaders and those in business. As the UK’s learned society for mathematics, we actively promote the benefits of mathematics and mathematical education through encouraging the public - and young people in particular - to appreciate and engage with mathematics and supporting mathematicians to engage with the public. We look forward to working with the advisory group to create a positive way forward for the future of mathematics".
Last updated: 17 April 2023