TIMSS 2023 results published

TIMSS provides invaluable international insights into mathematics and science education, reviewing research data for pupils aged 9-10 (Year 5) and 13-14 (Year 9) from 66 countries across the world. The NCETM is pleased to note that the report confirms England's continued strength in mathematics, with pupils in Year 5 and Year 9 performing significantly above the international average.

These encouraging results reflect the resilience of England's education system and the hard work and dedication of schools and teachers. It is notable that attainment in Year 9 has increased substantially since 2019, despite the challenges of recent years and the turbulence of the pandemic, whilst pupils’ performance in Year 5 has also increased considerably over the last decade and remains strong. 

International Context

England's pupils have broadly maintained their international standing compared to other countries, with Year 5 pupils being significantly out-performed by only 7 of the other 57 participating countries, and Year 9 pupils by just 5 of the other 43 participating countries.

Impact of a teaching for mastery approach

The TIMSS 2023: National Report for England (December 2024) highlights the role of England’s mastery-based approach, promoted by the NCETM and Maths Hubs since 2014, in contributing to these sustained high performances. It cautions against attributing causation solely to this factor, though it is notable that this approach to teaching mathematics is shared by the highest performing nations in the study.

A note of caution

Whilst the performance of higher attaining students improved in Year 9, 11% of children scored below the lowest benchmark. While this is substantially below the international average of 19%, it remains a concern. The NCETM is addressing this with its well-received new programme, Securing Foundations at Year 7, which provides professional development and resources for secondary maths teachers to equip them with KS1 and KS2 maths curriculum domain-specific knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.

About TIMSS 2023

The 2023 study involved 66 countries, focusing on attainment comparisons and curriculum insights. A forthcoming report in 2025 will examine factors such as pupil attitudes, teacher perceptions and home learning environments.

Full details of the TIMSS 2023 International Results in Mathematics and Science are available alongside the TIMSS 2023: National Report for England, authored by UCL Institute of Education.