London, UK - Just over a third (35%) of UK primary teachers say they are confident in their ability to effectively teach maths remotely in another lockdown, according to our new research released today (xxxx).

The research, which is based on the views of 2,125 teachers in a survey undertaken by Teacher Tapp as part of our Power of Maths campaign, highlights a digital confidence gap between primary and secondary schools when it comes to maths. Where over two-thirds (69%) of secondary maths teachers are confident teaching maths remotely, only half of primary teachers said the same. They are also twice as confident implementing a blended learning approach successfully than their primary counterparts -  with 50% versus 23% reporting this.  

According to maths teachers, the impact of Covid-19 on pupils’ maths learning has been significant. One in two (56%) have seen the attainment gap in maths widen among their pupils following the pandemic and a similar proportion (51%) say their students’ maths skills have been negatively affected. Despite this, three in five (59%) maths teachers are confident that they will be able to ensure their students catch up with their learning.

Speaking about the findings, Sharon Hague, Senior Vice President for UK Schools at Pearson said: "As a digital learning company, we believe that technology can enhance education. But as our new research suggests, many teachers need greater support and confidence to fully harness digital learning opportunities - particularly when it comes to subjects like maths. 

“We want all learners to realise the power of maths in their lives and to engage with the subject anytime, anywhere. So, with digital learning here to stay, we are working hard to incorporate AI and technology across our maths portfolio to make remote learning second nature for teachers and students alike. We are also seeking to understand teachers' worries through our latest Power of Maths survey and will continue collaborating with experts to provide free guidance and support them on their digital maths journeys.”

Our Power of Maths research shows how the emergence of Covid-19 accelerated teachers’ use of technology in the maths classroom - since the pandemic, two in five (40%) maths teachers are now planning lessons using resources that can be used remotely or in class. Despite this, only 20% of maths teachers are confident that they can harness technology and AI to raise their student’s outcomes - this falls to 10% of primary teachers.

Sharing their experience of teaching maths in a Covid-19 landscape, [source and insert primary school teacher quote with their experience of teaching maths remotely / the challenges / opportunities and any further support] said: “xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”

As part of our commitment to support teachers in harnessing technology in maths and helping pupils get back on track with their learning, we are providing free access for six weeks to our new maths practice service Maths Flex, which uses powerful AI and mastery approaches that can be completed in class or at home. 

Please visit our Remote Readiness webpage for free guidance, tools and support on digital teaching and learning.

To find out more about the new research, our Power of Maths campaign and to share your views on maths education today via a short survey, please visit the Power of Maths webpage.

Media contact

For any media enquiries related to this release, please contact Consilium Communications on 07496727202 or email jbull@consiliumcommunications.co.uk or lsmith@consiliumcommunications.co.uk

About the research

In October 2020, Pearson surveyed 2,125 teachers for their views on maths education through Teacher Tapp. Teachers include primary teachers and secondary maths teachers working in UK schools.

About Pearson

We are the world’s learning company with more than 24,000 employees operating in 70 countries. We combine world-class educational content and assessment, powered by services and technology, to enable more effective teaching and personalised learning at scale. We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people.

^{1. 650,000 students were off school due to Covid-19-related reasons as of 03.12.20, according to Department for Education (DfE) estimates.}

^{2. Teachers include 1,184 primary teachers and 941 secondary maths teachers.}

^{3. Maths teachers in this instance refers to teachers of maths and numeracy - i.e primary school teachers and secondary maths teachers}