The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is an assessment of mathematics and science that has been monitoring trends in pupil achievement in Years 5 and 9 (Grades 4 and 8) since 1995. TIMSS takes place every 4 years in over 60 countries and provides internationally comparative data on pupils’ attainment in mathematics and science, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background.
In addition, TIMSS includes questionnaires for teachers and headteachers, which provide a valuable perspective on maths and science teaching and the school environment.
For both Year 5 and Year 9, TIMSS consists of four components in England:
For more information and links to example items, please see our FAQs (question 8).
TIMSS is delivered by a National Study Centre in participating countries. Pearson and UCL’s Institute of Education (IOE) have been appointed as the TIMSS 2023 National Study Centre for England by the Department for Education. Pearson will work with schools to deliver the study managing the administration, processing and scoring of the TIMSS 2023 assessment. UCL will be responsible for the reporting and dissemination of the TIMSS 2023 findings in England.
