Set high standards across the curriculum

Rishi Sunak’s passion for maths is evidently strong and, in seeking to raise the standard of teaching of the subject in schools, he hopes to extend that enthusiasm throughout the land.

Of itself, seeking an improvement in numeracy is no bad thing. In a world where data is crucial and a working knowledge of how statistics work is essential to many jobs, falling behind both individually and as a country is detrimental to prosperity.

Whether it is necessary to require children to learn maths up to the age of 18 is another matter, though since the Prime Minister first floated his idea earlier this year, he has made it clear this is not yet intended to be compulsory.

He wants all children to access the sort of teaching he received at Winchester which, if that could be replicated throughout the country, would certainly be beneficial, if somewhat fanciful.

We are not really talking about maths here, but computer and data literacy, which provides a distinct and logical way of processing information. Learning advanced mathematics beyond the age of 16 is not essential unless students are proposing to work in STEM industries like engineering or physical sciences.

Indeed, there is an argument that in focusing too much on maths, the humanities are in danger of being neglected. Mr Sunak said an anti-maths culture needs to be overcome if economic growth is to be encouraged, but it should not be replaced by scorn for arts subjects, because they do not obviously lead to certain well-paid jobs. It is not only the study of maths and sciences that has employability potential and the value of humanities should not be dismissed.

However, it is nonetheless true that numeracy is probably more important today than ever in our information age. Understanding statistics and how they are used (or misused) by politicians to secure our votes is also important.

But these analytical skills should be taught to the age of 16 and it is a failure to do so properly that leads to many leaving school without them.

The same can be said of literacy, which should not be neglected, since an estimated seven million adults cannot read or write well.

In global numeracy rankings, the UK is above France, Germany and Italy, though below China, Singapore and Japan. Mr Sunak says that with the right plan, the UK can match the world’s best. His ambition is laudable.