Should pupils study maths until they're 18?

Maths is a really important skill to have, but not everyone enjoys it

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Some people absolutely love maths. The logic of equations and numbers can be really satisfying, especially when applied in the real world. However, numbers and sums don’t make sense to everybody. Currently, in the UK, students only have to study maths until they’re 16 years old. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, recently announced plans for all students in England to study the subject until the age of 18. Although it’s useful for future jobs, is it fair for people who don’t like maths?

It may not seem like it, but numeracy (skill with numbers) is actually a very important ability that can be used in everyday life. Simple activities, like shopping, baking and cooking, often require a bit of maths. Encouraging people to maintain these skills until they’re 18 could be helpful for them afterwards.

Research has shown that studying maths for longer helps with brain development. Scientists at the University of Oxford found that students who stopped studying maths after their GCSEs had lower amounts of a brain chemical that supports memory, learning, reasoning and problem solving. Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh – the scientist who led the study – warned that pupils who stop studying maths at 16 could be at a disadvantage compared to those who continue with maths education.