Prime minister sets ambition of “maths to 18”

Rishi Sunak pledges to boost the country’s numeracy skills by requiring all school pupils in England to study some form of maths to age 18. This could include algebra and statistics, or financial literacy such as learning about mortgages and savings rates.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gesturing while standing at a podium
(Image credit: © WPA Pool)

The prime minister has used his first speech of 2023 to set out his ambition for all schoolchildren in England to study some form of maths until the age of 18.

He said numeracy would become a central objective of the UK’s education system, and improving the nation’s skills was a government priority.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Explore More
Ruth Emery
Contributing editor

Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.

She is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. 

A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. 

Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.