Full Breakdown
Wales’ PISA 2025 Results Show Deepening Gap with Rest of UK
9/9/2026, 12:23:12 AM
Core Findings: Wales Lags in Maths and Reading, Modest Science Gain
The 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) placed Wales at the bottom of the United Kingdom in mathematics and reading. England scored 492 in maths and 497 in reading, while Scotland and Northern Ireland posted higher results in both subjects. In science, Wales recorded 476, a small increase from 473 in 2022, but still well below England’s 516 and Scotland’s 491. The OECD equates a 20-point change with a full year of learning; Wales’ 10-point drop in maths and 7-point fall in reading represent roughly half a year of lost progress.
Background: PISA and Wales’ Historical Performance
PISA, administered by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), surveys 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science every three years. Wales has participated since 2006 and has ranked last among the UK nations for six consecutive cycles up to 2023. The 2025 results therefore mark the seventh year Wales has occupied the bottom UK position.
Data & Statistics
| Subject | Wales 2025 | England 2025 | Scotland 2025 | Northern Ireland 2025 | OECD average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 456 (-10 from 2022) | 492 (no change) | 467 (-4) | 470 (-5) | 463 (-9) |
| Reading | 459 (-7) | 497 (+1) | 488 (-4) | 482 (-3) | 461 (-15) |
| Science | 476 (+3) | 516 (+13) | 491 (+8) | 492 (+4) | 482 (+3) |
In the OECD ranking, Wales sits 36th in mathematics (one point behind Spain) and 34th in science (tied with Croatia). Its reading score of 459 places it 28th, level with Denmark and below Turkey, Czechia, Estonia and Italy.
Official Statements & Responses
She noted that performance gaps are larger for pupils eligible for free school meals and that school-absence data were not included in the analysis. Brychan announced that the Welsh Government will launch its Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan before the autumn half-term, aiming to raise standards for disadvantaged learners and high-achieving students alike. A written statement updating the plan is scheduled for September 8.
What’s Next
The Welsh Government’s forthcoming written statement on September 8 will detail the implementation timeline for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan. Stakeholders will be watching for concrete targets, funding allocations and mechanisms to monitor progress in the next PISA cycle.
