Rishi Sunak is expected to soon unveil plans that will make it compulsory for all pupils in England to study maths up until the age of 18.
It's believed to be part of the Prime Minister's "new mission".
According to UK government figures, it's thought that around eight million adults in England have the numeracy skills of primary school aged children, and 60% of disadvantaged pupils nationwide do not have basic maths skills at 16.
But the Prime Minister is expected to set out a pledge to address this in his first speech of the year today and explain why he wants pupils to study some form of maths until 18, The Manc reports.
Mr Sunak will apparently make his mission to "reimagine our approach to numeracy" clear in his speech, while enforcing his belief that "letting our children out into the world without those skills is letting our children down."
He is expected to say in his speech today: "One of the biggest changes in mindset we need in education today is to reimagine our approach to numeracy. Right now, just half of all 16-year-olds study any maths at all. Yet in a world where data is everywhere and statistics underpin every job, our children's jobs will require more analytical skills than ever before."
A spokesperson for Number 10 said details of the Prime Minister's "new mission" will be announced "in due course", but that the government did not "envisage" making maths A-Level compulsory, and is instead exploring the right route for these plans.
These include the Core Maths qualifications, T-levels, and other "more innovative options".
During the speech, Mr Sunak is expected to acknowledge that "reform on this scale won't be easy", and this will likely mean that the policy will not come into force until the next parliament.
Downing Street said pupils studying maths until 18 would put England on a par with most other OECD countries - including Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, and the US - although, these initial plans haven't been met well by opposition parties, with Labour saying the whole thing would be "an empty pledge" if they could not recruit more maths teachers.
Rishi Sunak to make it his 'mission' that all pupils in England study maths until 18 / Credit: Jeswin Thomas (via Unsplash)
Labour's shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson criticised the plan and Mr Sunak, saying: "He cannot deliver this reheated, empty pledge without more maths teachers.
"Yet the government has missed their target for new maths teachers year after year, with existing teachers leaving in their droves. Now, maths attainment gaps are widening yetRishi Sunak as chancellor said the country had 'maxed out' on COVID recovery support for our children."
Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson echoed Labour's view and said the Prime Minister's words "mean nothing without the extra funding and staff"
"You don't need a maths A-level to know it takes more teachers to teach maths to age 18 than to 16," she added.
Featured Image - Lauren Hurley / Number 10 Downing Street (via Flickr)
News
A daytime rave where you can be in bed by 8pm is returning to Leeds
The famous Day Fever is back and this time it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before.
If you haven’t heard of Day Fever before, then we are about to blow your mind.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and frontman of Reverend & The Makers Jon McClure, Day Fever has become somewhat of a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm. And to be honest, we don’t blame them.
Running from 3pm to 8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
Image: Supplied
“It started as a WhatsApp idea,” says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From Leeds to Newcastle, Glasgow to Manchester, every Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
Day Fever will be turning up the speakers at Project House on Saturday 12 September, and we will absolutely see you there.
Tickets are on sale now, and you can grab yours here.
Yorkshire pub ‘delighted’ to be crowned the best in the region for 2026
Clementine Hall
There's no denying that Yorkshire does pubs properly, but one in particular has been crowned the very best.
This year's National Pub and Bar Awards have been announced, where each year a team of experts pick the very best pub in the 94 counties across the UK.
Taking the number one spot for Yorkshire and the Humber is a fabulous little pub nestled in the bustling market town of Skipton.
The Woolly Sheep Inn is an award-winning, dog-friendly pub that is known for its huge selection of Timothy Taylor's cask ales and hearty pub grub.
Not only can you eat and drink here, but they've also got a few cosy rooms for you to stay in if you're planing on a quick staycation in North Yorkshire.
But don't just take our word for how brilliant it is, here's what the National Pub and Bar Awards had to say about it: "The Woolly Sheep Inn is a vibrant town-centre pub in the heart of Skipton, offering an exceptional combination of high-quality food, outstanding drinks and comfortable accommodation – all delivered with genuine Yorkshire hospitality.
"The team prides itself on creating a warm, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy everything from a relaxed drink at the bar to a celebratory meal or overnight stay. The offer blends traditional pub values with a progressive approach to quality and service, ensuring the site appeals to both loyal locals and visitors to the area."
Announcing the exciting news, The Woolly Sheep Inn said: "We're delighted to share that The Woolly Sheep Inn has been named Yorkshire and the Humber regional winner at the National Pub and Bar Awards 2026.
"This award is a proud moment for everyone at the pub and reflects the years of hard work, care, and commitment that Andy, Drea, and the team have put into making The Woolly Sheep such a special place to eat, drink, and stay in Skipton."
You can have a look at all of the pubs that won in the awards here.
Emily Sergeant -
4th January 2023 
