UK pupils rank highly again in international reading, maths and science tests
Summary
UK teenagers did well in the international Pisa tests for reading, maths, and science, staying steady compared to previous years. However, the report shows a global drop in reading skills, especially in students who rush through texts, and highlights differences in performance across parts of the UK.Key Facts
- The Pisa tests happen every three years and assess 15-year-olds in many countries on skills like problem solving and critical thinking.
- In 2025, 760,000 students in 91 countries took the test; in the UK, 15,566 students participated across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- The UK ranked below top countries like Singapore and Estonia but above the US, Australia, and some European nations.
- England's students scored better than those in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, reflecting differences in school systems.
- The report warns about a global decline in reading ability, especially in understanding and evaluating complex information, which is important today.
- The number of students who read quickly and answer incorrectly has almost doubled since 2018.
- In response, some UK schools like Meadow Park encourage reading through book clubs and reduced phone use to improve focus.
- England plans to offer more technical subjects to students from age 14, inspired by high-performing countries like Estonia.
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