Pearson Schools Blog

As we welcome in the New Year,  we’re looking back at what students, tutors and sector leaders told us about post-16 English and maths - and what this means for the year ahead.

Through Resit Rethink, Let’s Talk English, the Pearson School Report, national forums and our summer roundtable, we heard directly from thousands of students and practitioners across secondary and further education.

Here are 10 things you told us in 2025:

Maths is more than numbers—it’s a gateway to understanding the world, solving problems, and unlocking future opportunities. Yet for many students, teachers, and even parents, maths can be a source of stress and fear. At Pearson, we believe that maths anxiety shouldn’t stand in the way of learning. That’s why we’ve launched a campaign to support confidence in maths across the UK.

Dr Simon Singh MBE (@SLSIngh) completed a PhD in particle physics and went on to become an author, journalist and TV producer, specialising in maths and science. His books include “Fermat’s Last Theorem” and “The Code Book”.

Following his recent appearance on Pearson’s The Right Angle podcast, Simon shares his thoughts on why we should nurture and challenge our most talented students, and how his Parallel Academy * was built to do just that.  

By Dr Meghna Nag Chowdhuri

Following her recent appearance on Pearson’s The Right Angle podcast, Dr Meghna shares her thoughts on why promoting equity within the maths classroom is a goal worth pursuing and her five top tips to help you get there. 

A new video by fantasy football pundit and influencer Holly Shand explores how maths has opened doors to a fun and exciting career – and she isn’t the only one keen to shout out about where maths has taken her.