Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education report

Commenting on the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) report on mathematics in the workplace and higher education, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group, said:

“The Russell Group shares the concerns of the ACME report about mathematics education in the UK: too few students study maths and other STEM subjects, potentially creating long-term problems for students, industry and the teaching profession.  

“As the report suggests, it is crucial that students are given accurate information, advice and guidance when making subject choices that will affect their life chances.  Too few fully appreciate the benefits of studying maths.  Pupils from families with less experience of higher education are in particular need of good information and advice from their schools and careers services. Students who have aspirations towards competitive universities or career paths, should be made aware of all aspects of the entrance requirements, including GCSE or other standard level requirements. 

“This is why the Russell Group recently published Informed Choices, our guide to post-16 study options, which should help improve information about how subject choices at school can impact on university applications. Studying maths at school is excellent preparation for a range of challenging and rewarding degree courses and careers including but not limited to science, which is why maths is one of the ‘facilitating subjects’ most frequently cited as essential for entry onto courses at Russell Group universities.

“We are particularly concerned that too few students from state schools opt for single science GCSE, science and maths A-levels, and consequently science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at university. This is despite the fact that STEM graduates earn more on average than others, and numeracy skills are essential for a wide range of courses at leading universities, from engineering and medicine to economics.

“Russell Group universities play a crucial role in developing the next generation of mathematical and scientific leaders. About half of all UK Maths graduates come from Russell Group universities, and our institutions will continue to promote maths education to students from all backgrounds through outreach and other work. For example, the University of Cambridge-led Millennium Maths Project raises aspirations and attainment in maths by targeting 5-19 year olds with workshops, master classes, online resources and professional development for their teachers.

“The UK faces serious challenges in maintaining and improving its maths education and we welcome this report as an important contribution to the debate on this vital issue.”