For schools
About TIMSS
The Trends in Maths and Science Study, known as “TIMSS”, is an international comparative study that assesses and compares the performance in maths and science of pupils at ages 10 and 14, or P5 and S2 in Scotland, every four years across about 60 countries. This is the first time Scotland have taken part in TIMSS since 2007. It provides internationally comparative data on pupils’ achievement in maths and science, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background. In addition, TIMSS includes questionnaires for teachers, headteachers, and parents/carers, which provide a valuable perspective on teaching maths and science, and the school and home environment.
Why is TIMSS important?
TIMSS plays a crucial role in helping countries improve their education systems. By providing reliable international comparisons of pupil achievement in maths and science, TIMSS enables countries to see how their pupils are performing compared to others around the world. This helps identify strengths to build on and areas needing improvement.
Importantly, TIMSS does more than measure achievement - it also gathers detailed information on pupil attitudes, motivations, and learning environments. This helps us understand why pupils perform as they do and what supports their learning best.
By learning from the policies and practices of high-performing countries and monitoring our own progress over time using independent measures, TIMSS gives us the evidence we need to make informed decisions that can genuinely improve educational outcomes for all pupils.
What are the benefits of your school taking part?
- Supporting a study that helps us better understand our education system, directly influencing national policy and developments.
- Contributing to an international evidence base that informs policies and strategies to help address the challenges associated with raising standards and reducing attainment gaps.
- Giving your pupils the experience of representing Scotland in an important global study.
- Providing your pupils with the opportunity to practise their mathematics and science skills through an interesting and innovative online assessment.
TIMSS support
We are here to support schools and pupils with their participation in TIMSS.
If you have any questions contact us from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm on 0207 010 2015 or any time via email at TIMSSscotland@pearson.com
