The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) has welcomed the latest data results issued by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) that see a significant improvement in mathematics achievement in England.

The results for 2007 place England in the top seven countries among 49 countries analysed, significantly up on the last published statistics in 2003, and above the advanced international mathematics benchmark, at both the 9-10 and 13-14-year-old level. For nine and 10-year-olds England’s position in the tables represents the greatest improvement of any country in comparison to 1995’s figures.

TIMSS provides data on the mathematics and science achievement of U.S. students compared to that of students in other countries. It is a compilation of indicators from a multitude of data sources which provides information on the current state of education internationally.

NCETM Director Celia Hoyles said: “These encouraging results show that work to support teachers of mathematics in constantly reviewing and developing their practice and pedagogy in classrooms all over this country, is bearing fruit.

“The NCETM works to ensure that all teachers in England continue their professional development throughout their careers, to help them inspire all learners with a passion for mathematics.”

TIMSS data have been collected in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007.

Click here to read more from the TIMMS website, and read further coverage from these websites:

BBC Education

Daily Mail

Daily Telegraph

EducationGuardian

Financial Times

The Independent

The Sun

The Times


Barbara Linton, NCETM Regional Coordinator, East Midlands, attended the meeting at the DCSF where the TIMSS results were presented.  Click here to read her account of the meeting, together with her observations.