Wales' performance has fallen to its lowest level ever in maths,
reading and science tests taken by 15-year olds.
Wales are at the bottom of the rankings for the whole of the UK
in maths, reading, and science.
The latest global league tables show the performance of pupils in
Wales has fallen significantly since the last Pisa tests in 2019
and continues to be below the OECD average.
For maths, Wales is down by 21 points for reading 18 and science
15. The OECD puts 20 points as equivalent to a year's learning
and 10 points as half a year.
The last PISA statement saw Welsh Government set a target of
reaching 500 points in every category in all three PISA measures
for the next set of results. Falling even further behind this
target highlights Labour’s performance on education in Wales.
Commenting on the PISA results, Welsh Conservative Shadow
Education Minister, said:
“The results today are not a shock when we have a Labour
Government which has so little regard for our children’s future
that they actually cut the education budget this year. All
governments should be giving pupils and teachers the tools to do
their best and thrive.
“After 25 years of Labour running Welsh schools we have a
widening attainment gap, funding being spent on the pet project
of more politicians and sadly once again Wales languishing at the
bottom of international league tables.
“The Labour Education Minister needs to get a grip of his
department and give our young people the start in life they
deserve. He can start by getting 5,000 more teachers back into
our classrooms after years of declining numbers and the
desperately needed money to support growing ALN numbers in
mainstream education.”
ENDS
Notes to editors: Link to the results can be
found here.
