Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 scores, what steps she is taking to reduce the performance gap between the UK nations and (a) Singapore, (b) Japan and (c) Vietnam; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the scores on the UK's (i) overall productivity, (ii) skills base and (iii) international competitiveness.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

High and rising standards across education, from early years to adulthood, are key to unlocking stronger outcomes and a better future for children and young people.

To drive high standards across the PISA subjects of mathematics, reading and science, the government has committed £27.7 million this financial year, supporting the teaching of phonics, early language and reading for pleasure via the English Hubs programme. We will also introduce a new reading assessment in year 8 to check progress. Following the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s recommendations, we will revise the maths curriculum from key stages 1 to 3 to support mastery and ensure a strong foundation for all children. Regional improvement for standards and excellence teams also work closely with Maths and English Hubs to share best practice.

PISA rankings look at the relative position between the different countries, however, the scores provide an absolute measure of performance in a country and are comparable over time.