In our fast-changing and technology-driven societies, education in mathematics and science is crucial for ensuring that children and young people have the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to be responsible and active citizens. Despite the emphasis on the key competences of basic numeracy and scientific literacy in the European Education Area, the share of pupils not reaching basic achievement levels remains considerably above the agreed maximum of 15%. This report investigates what education authorities across Europe do to strengthen student motivation, raise achievement and help those that are falling behind in mathematics and science. It brings together qualitative Eurydice data on national policies and legislation in 39 European education systems, and quantitative data from several student assessment surveys.

The results highlight the importance of allocating sufficient instruction time, providing timely learning support, ensuring specialised teacher training and monitoring student achievement systematically. Ample examples are provided on how the mathematics and science curricula can foster reflection and relate to students’ lives.

The information focuses on primary and lower secondary education, and it covers all the members of the Eurydice Network (the 27 EU Member States and Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey).