About TIMSS
What is TIMSS?
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.
What does TIMSS consist of?
For both Year 5 and Year 9, TIMSS consists of four components in England:
- an onscreen mathematics and science assessment for pupils
- a background questionnaire for pupils
- a questionnaire for teachers
- and a school questionnaire for headteachers.
For more information and links to example items, please see our FAQs (question 8).
How is TIMSS delivered?
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.
TIMSS timeline
March 2022 – pupils in England took part in the TIMSS field trial.
March to June 2023 – pupils in England will participate in the TIMSS main study.
December 2023 to December 2024 – international researchers analyse the data from all participating countries and prepare reports on the results.
December 2024 – findings of each country are published in an international report by the IEA. A national report for England will be written and published by UCL, on behalf of the Department for Education.
March to December 2025 – UCL will share more findings from their analysis of England’s TIMSS 2023 data.