The London Mathematical Society welcomes the report, published today, of Professor Sir Adrian Smith’s review of post-16 mathematics. As part of the mathematics community, we welcome its recognition of the importance of mathematics, and its analysis of the need to improve take-up and achievement in 16-18 mathematics. The report makes significant recommendations for strengthening the provision of a variety of post-16 mathematics pathways, so that within a decade all 16-18 students should have access to appropriately rewarding and challenging routes of study.
As a society with many members in university mathematics departments, the LMS is pleased by Recommendations 11 and 12. We recognise and support activities which have a positive impact on mathematics attainment in schools and look forward to further support and encouragement from the Department of Education for such work.
The LMS is encouraged by the positive tone of the government response, and hopes that it will be able to work with government and its agencies to further the recommendations of the report. The announcement of funding of £16 million pounds for a new Level 3 Maths Support Programme is a welcome start to implementation of the report’s recommendations. However we are aware that the scale of the issue, including in particular Recommendation 6 on removing disincentives for mathematics provision, and the question of teacher supply, means that there are considerable further funding needs.
The report is available here and a response from the Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for School Standards, is available here