End anti-maths mindset to grow economy, says Rishi Sunak

“We’ve got to change this anti-maths mindset,” he will say. It’s about changing how we value maths in this country.” In the decade following 2009, the UK has risen 10 places in the international league tables but remains one of the least numerate countries in the OECD, the club of industrialised nations. “We have to fundamentally change our education system so it gives our young people the knowledge and skills they need – and that our businesses need – to compete with the best in the world.” ‘We will not deliver this change overnight’ Mr Sunak will say that the Government will work to ensure that Britain has the right teaching framework and qualifications in place to deliver maths to the age of 18 for students of all abilities in the most effective way. And we’ll need to make sure this maths is additional to other subjects – not instead of them.” He will also commit to extending maths hubs – partnerships of schools and colleges coming together to support maths teaching – as well as introducing a new voluntary and fully-funded professional qualification for teachers leading maths in primary schools. In the increasingly complex world we live in, if you aren’t confident using maths and data, you’re at a major disadvantage.” Mr Sunak has been accused by the Right of his party of stifling growth by increasing taxes in the wake of the Covid pandemic, and critics also said he had not done enough to promote growth by relaxing planning rules.