Mathematics But One-level It is going from strength to strength. Mathematics is the most popular subject choiceAnd further maths, which is a separate A-level course, has seen the most increase in uptake. Despite this, concerns still remain about the mathematical skills of young people, who do not choose to study mathematics after being 16 years old.
Student England Those who have passed GCSE Grade four or more mathematics, but those who are not taking A-Level or AS-Level Maths are eligible to take core maths qualifications.
The core maths were introduced in 2014-15 to try to overcome the reduction in mathematics education after 16. But the number of entries is well less as to what they can be. Many students who will benefit from mathematics after 16 are not taking this subject.
A 2010 report of Nafield Foundation found that in students UK Gaps behind their peers in other countries in mathematics participation after the age of 16 years. Further research from the Royal Society and Higher Education Charity Advance showed that, as a result, many people were not well prepared for their university courses or career demands.
Survey data also found that more than half of the UK adults have less mathematics skills.
Many courses in the university include mathematical or quantitative elements, but are not required for entry or as A-level mathematics. These include psychology, geography, business and management, sociology, health science, biology, education and IT.
When many students have not studied mathematics since GCSE, it results in flow and confidence in using it and implementing it.
The core maths consolidates and constructs the mathematical understanding of students. Meditation is on using and implementing mathematics for authentic problems prepared from studies, work and life. This involves understanding spreadsheets such as graphs, statistics and equipment, as well as risk and possibility.
Despite incentives the tech-up remains low-school receives an additional £ 900 in funding for each student who studies the core maths. In 2025, 15,327 students took core maths – 20% increase in 12,810 entries in 2024, which is very encouraging. However, research by the Royal Society in 2022 found that less than 10% of the number of A-level students not taking A-level mathematics had taken core maths, which would not have changed significantly even with the current numbers.
Growing enrollment
There is a strong commitment to the government to increase mathematics participation after 16 in England through core maths. Many schools and colleges have adopted the subject, and universities have also expressed support.
However, a real encouragement for adolescents to study the subject would be whether it was rewarded in entry into the university. University students can allow students to enter a course with low A-level grade profiles, which are generally necessary if they also pass the core maths, for example. But the number of universities offering such is less.
Schools and colleges require strong signals from universities so that they can motivate students to provide an opportunity to study for a main math qualification, and encourage their students to do so. Transferring today’s landscape to one, where most of the learners in England are studying some forms of mathematics, which are relevant to their current and future interests and needs and will require improvement.
The 2024 report of the Royal Society on mathematical and data education determines the several reforms required to develop mathematical, quantitative and data skills required for future career. These include compulsory mathematics and data education up to 18. The expansion of core maths would be a great way to start achieving it.
Paul Glister is a professor of mathematics and mathematics education at CBE Reading University.
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