What's happened
PISA 2025 data show England and some UK nations performing well in science, with Reading and Maths trailing in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England leads in science; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland trail in reading and maths. A global trend shows declines in reading proficiency, linked to digital distraction and shifting reading habits.
What's behind the headline?
Key takeaways
- England remains ahead in science; other UK nations trail in reading and maths. The UK’s overall performance places it in the top tier but behind leaders like Singapore and parts of China.
- Reading declines are a global trend; however, England’s reading remains comparatively strong, while Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland face greater challenges in reading and maths.
- Digital distraction and smartphone use are highlighted by OECD as factors that may be eroding sustained attention and the ability to engage with complex texts.
What this implies for readers
- Parents and students should focus on developing robust literacy and numeracy alongside critical thinking skills to adapt to increasing digital distractions.
- Policymakers are urged to balance STEM emphasis with reading and broader literacies to avoid widening attainment gaps.
Outlook
- Countries will likely pursue targeted reading interventions while maintaining strengths in science and mathematics. The OECD notes that long-term declines in reading could require structural changes in curricula and classroom practices.
How we got here
PISA 2025 covers 91 countries with 760,000 15-year-olds. Results indicate a broad global decline in reading, while some UK nations show relative strengths in science. The OECD cautions declines do not capture all education-system contexts, including technology use and access to learning.
Our analysis
BBC News (Education desk) reports England leads in science and notes ongoing declines in reading in several UK nations; The Guardian emphasises England’s relative strength in STEM and cautions against over-generalizing results; Sky News highlights a global decline in reading and the rising role of AI and digital distraction in learning; The Scotsman and BBC Scotland focus on Scottish results and policy responses; The Times of Israel discusses Israel’s PISA decline; The Guardian also discusses England’s performance and calls for not rushing reforms.
Go deeper
- What specific policies are UK nations pursuing to boost reading proficiency?
- How is technology influencing reading skills, and what steps are schools taking to address it?
- Which countries are outperforming the UK in science, and what lessons could be shared?
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