As the UK education system grapples with declining student engagement in mathematics beyond GCSE level, concerns are mounting about the mathematical skills of young people. Despite mathematics being the most popular A-level subject, a significant proportion of students are choosing not to pursue the subject after the age of 16.
The introduction of the core maths qualification in 2014-15 was an attempt to address this issue, providing an alternative pathway for students who have passed GCSE maths but are not taking A-level or AS-level maths. However, the take-up of core maths remains well below its potential, with research indicating that fewer than 10% of the number of A-level students who were not taking A-level maths had taken core maths.
The implications of this trend are far-reaching, as many university courses and careers require a strong mathematical or quantitative foundation. A 2010 report from the Nuffield Foundation found that UK students lag behind their peers in other countries in participation in mathematics after the age of 16, leaving many ill-prepared for the demands of their university studies or future careers.
The government has expressed a strong commitment to increasing participation in mathematics after 16 in England through core maths. Many schools and colleges have embraced the subject, and universities have also expressed support. However, a significant incentive for teenagers to study core maths would be if it was rewarded in university admissions, with more institutions offering lower A-level grade requirements for courses if students have also passed core maths.
Addressing this challenge will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders in the education system. The Royal Society’s 2024 report on mathematical and data education has outlined several reforms, including the introduction of compulsory maths and data education in some form until the age of 18. Expanding the take-up of core maths could be an important step in achieving this goal and ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the mathematical and quantitative skills necessary for the careers of the future.
