Nearly a third of Scotland’s 15-year-olds are performing below the basic level of maths proficiency in an international study, with results showing no significant improvement since 2022.
The latest Programme for International Student Assessment, known as PISA, found around 32% of Scottish pupils were below its baseline maths benchmark, compared with 25% in England.
At the other end of the scale, approximately 7% of Scottish pupils reached the highest levels of mathematical proficiency – compared with 14% in England.
The findings highlight the continuing challenge facing Scotland’s schools, although pupils remained above the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average in reading and science.
Published today, the results show Scotland’s average maths score down from 471 in 2022 to 467 in 2025. Reading fell from 493 to 488, while science rose from 483 to 491.
Scotland’s maths performance remained broadly in line with the OECD average.
The longer-term picture shows a clearer decline. Both boys and girls in Scotland performed significantly worse in maths than their counterparts in every PISA assessment between 2006 and 2018.
Boys achieved an average maths score of 475 in the latest assessment, compared with 459 for girls – a statistically significant difference.
PISA tests how effectively teenagers can apply their knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics and science.
Its Level 2 benchmark is regarded by the OECD as a baseline level of proficiency. Falling below it is a measure of performance in the international assessment, rather than a failure in a Scottish school qualification.
The 2025 study involved around 760,000 pupils across 91 countries and economies. In Scotland, 3,066 pupils from 115 schools and colleges took part in computer-based assessments during September and October last year.
The Scottish Government said the results demonstrated that Scotland had maintained a competitive international position while reading and maths performance declined across the OECD.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “PISA 2025 shows real strengths in Scottish education, as well as areas we’re already working to improve.”
She added: “The Curriculum Improvement Cycle is the largest change to Scotland’s curriculum in over ten years, which will be fully rolled out with the teaching profession by August 2028.
“These results demonstrate that Scotland’s education system is competitive by international standards, performing above the OECD average on four measures out of five.
“Scotland has stabilised its international performance, which is very welcome, alongside the significant weakening in the relationship between learners’ socio-economic background and performance, particularly in reading.
“This comes just weeks after this year’s Qualifications Scotland results, which showed a narrowing of the poverty-related attainment gap compared to both 2025 and pre-pandemic 2019, and increased pass rates at National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers.
“While recognising the positives, these results also underline the need for change in certain areas – change that I intend to lead in the coming period to ensure excellence and equity for all Scotland’s young people.”
OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said: “PISA 2025 shows that reversing declines in student performance is urgent. The most successful education systems focus on fewer areas in greater depth, invest in teachers, engage parents and provide targeted support for the students and schools that need it the most.
“Technology and AI can strengthen learning and help prepare young people for the future, but only when used purposefully and not as a substitute for attention, effort and understanding.”