For parents and carers
What is TIMSS?
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is an international study that takes place every four years and gathers data from over 60 countries, including England. The study looks at pupils’ mathematics and science skills in Years 5 and 9 in England (Grades 4 and 8). The results are used by our government and governments from around the world to improve their education systems.
How many schools are participating in TIMSS in England and what is involved?
Your child’s school is one of 300 schools in England that have been selected to participate in TIMSS 2023. The study involves answering a range of questions on mathematics and science on a computer, as well as a short questionnaire. Your child doesn’t need to do anything to prepare and nor will it affect their results or progress in school. The TIMSS results include no data that could identify your child or their school, this is because it is the education system, not your child, that is being reviewed. We recommend pupils bring a book they can read if they finish early.
What does TIMSS involve?
For your child, taking part in TIMSS means:
- Completing an interactive online assessment in maths and science.
- Filling out a short questionnaire about their life, school and learning experiences.
There is no need for your child to prepare or revise before the assessment.
For you or your spouse/partner:
- You will be asked to complete a short online questionnaire about your family, your child’s learning environment, and some background information.
What are the benefits of TIMSS?
Taking part in TIMSS brings several benefits for your child and for education in Scotland.
- Your child will help us learn more about how well our education system is working.
- Your child will represent Scotland in an important international study and receive a certificate for doing so.
- Your child will get to practise skills for taking tests in a relaxed, low-pressure way.
- Your child will have the opportunity to practise their maths and science skills through an interesting and innovative online assessment.
What information will be collected and why?
The purpose of the study is to gather data on children’s learning and development, in order to learn more about how best to support children. This information will contribute to future improvements in education policy and provision both in the UK and internationally. The Department for Education (DfE) has commissioned Pearson UK and their partners at UCL to carry out the study in England. The privacy and data security of the young people and schools we work with is very important to us and no individual child, parent, carer, teacher or school will be identified or identifiable in any reporting.
TIMSS uses a computer-based assessment to assess mathematics and science achievement at Years 5 and 9. This will help give our government an indication of progress in these subjects in comparison to other countries from around the world.
The questionnaire will ask pupils to provide contextual information, such as questions about their home life and interests in learning. All data from the study will be de-identified, and combined with responses from other pupils taking part in England and compared with results of pupils around the world. If there are any questions your child does not wish to answer they may leave them blank.
