Maths 'should be made compulsory'

Maths lessons should be compulsory for all students until the age of 18, a top-level report recommends today.

The report, by former Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman and commissioned by the Conservatives before the last election, has been welcomed by Education Secretary Michael Gove. It points to the failure of about half of pupils to achieve a C grade pass at GCSE. It also warns that maths skills have become increasingly important in the workplace.

The report makes clear that the answer does not lie in insisting all students pursue maths to A-level – but that a range of courses should be supplied now that the UK is moving towards insisting that all young people stay in education until 18.