Serious concerns have been raised following the release of a damning report by Estyn inspectors, highlighting persistently low maths standards in Welsh schools. The report details significant variation in teaching quality, inadequate training for teachers, and a concerning lack of understanding of the new Curriculum for Wales.
Estyn inspectors: Inconsistencies in Mathematics Teaching Hamper Pupil Progress Across Wales
The quality of mathematics education across Wales remains too variable, with many pupils underperforming due to inconsistent teaching and insufficient subject-specific support, according to a new thematic report from Estyn.
The report, ‘Unlocking potential: insights into improving teaching and leadership in mathematics education’, draws on evidence from recent school inspections, thematic visits to primary, secondary and all-age schools, and national survey responses. Whilst the report identifies pockets of effective practice in mathematics teaching and curriculum planning, overall too many schools fall short in key areas including subject knowledge, pedagogy, and the use of assessment to guide teaching.
Inspectors found that where teaching was most effective, teachers held high expectations, used a range of responsive assessment techniques, and ensured that pupils developed a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. In contrast, less effective teaching often lacked challenge and did not address misconceptions effectively.
The report also highlights a concerning decline in subject-specific professional learning and support for teachers, which contributes to gaps in confidence and competence, particularly around the Curriculum for Wales. In some cases, teachers relied too heavily on bought-in schemes of work without sufficient adaptation to meet pupils’ needs.
The findings also highlight the most recent PISA results where Welsh teenagers are falling behind their UK counterparts, with tests showing a decline in maths proficiency as well as English and Science. The report also notes that the performance gap between pupils eligible for free school meals and their peers has widened, further exacerbating educational inequalities.
Earlier this week, the Welsh Conservatives criticised Labour’s announcement of £44 million in grants for schools. This round of grants includes £8.7million for maths, literacy, science & technology, while funding music £12 million. Highlighting Labour’s continuing failure to prioritise core subjects for which Wales continues to lag behind the rest of the UK.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, said:
“This report lays bare the systemic failings of the Welsh Labour Government. After 26 years in charge, Labour continues to let students down by poor teaching standards and a lack of support for teachers. These are not just statistics; they represent real opportunities lost for our young people.
“Labour’s track record on education in Wales highlights their continued failure to make the right calls. This was evident again this week when they announced grants that failed to prioritise core subject areas where improvement is most urgently needed.
“Maths is the backbone of our future economy, from AI to engineering, and we cannot afford to undermine it. Yet Labour’s weak guidance, chronic underfunding, and lack of support for teachers are failing our schools and jeopardising the future prospects of our children.”
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