CARMARTHEN — Responding to the latest findings from the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tests representative samples of 15-year-olds internationally, Reform UK Wales has called for a renewed focus on core academic standards in Welsh education.
The latest assessment reveals a statistically significant decline in mathematics compared to 2022, alongside persistent challenges across secondary schooling. While reading and science remained statistically stable compared to the previous cycle (with science seeing a slight numerical increase), the findings underscore the need for serious, long-term improvements to support pupils across Wales.
Crucially, the PISA report also highlights a positive relative finding: socioeconomic attainment gaps in Wales remain significantly narrower than the OECD averages across science, reading, and mathematics, demonstrating the resilience of Welsh pupils. However, overall performance relative to other UK nations indicates that standards must be raised.
Commenting on the findings, Gareth Beer MS for Sir Gaerfyrddin said:
“While Welsh pupils continue to show resilience, particularly regarding narrower socioeconomic attainment gaps than the OECD average, the significant drop in mathematics and wider long-term trends cannot be ignored. The Welsh Government needs to stem the decline and ensure classrooms are equipped to compete in a modern economy.”
Reform UK continues to advocate for policies that empower local leadership, cut unnecessary administrative bureaucracy, and ensure educational resources reach classrooms directly to support teachers and students alike.
