Adults are encouraged to take a new online quiz designed to get them thinking about their math skills as part of the government’s commitment to help more people find good jobs and grow the economy to meet the cost of living.

Launched to score National Numeracy Daythe short quiz asks 6 questions of varying difficulty to get adults thinking about whether they need help and where people can access support to improve their math and numeracy skills, including fully funded maths courses up to GCSE) level and equivalent.

Having a good grasp of numbers is vital for everyday life. From managing personal finances to DIY, cooking or helping with children’s homework. People with good numeracy skills are also more likely to be job, have higher salaries and better well-being: improving skills will help more people get good jobs and help the economy grow to meet the cost of living.

Maths and English are essential for a prosperous future, which is why the Schools White Paper sets an ambitious target for 90% of young people to leave primary school at the expected level in reading and maths. by 2030. The education secretary has also promised all parents across the country that any child who falls behind in maths or English will receive targeted support to get them back on track. A second ambition for secondary schools aims to see the national average GCSE score in English and maths rise from 4.5 in 2019 to 5 by 2030.

Approximately 17 million adults in England – half of the working-age population – has the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can prevent people from having the confidence to move forward in life and at work.

The online tool is launched ahead of the wider rollout of the government’s flagship product Multiply program this fall. Backed by almost £560million, Multiplication will build on the support already on offer, providing a range of free training options to help people develop their maths confidence in their daily and professional lives. Classes will be available in-person or online, at work or from home, and part-time or intensive.

Skills Minister Alex Burghart said:

Our new online quiz is quick and easy and designed to get adults thinking about their numeracy and where they can access help.

As the son of a math teacher, I know that with the right support, anyone can do math. Our new tool is a first step before the wider roll-out of our £559 million Multiply program later this year, which will provide people with the support they need to improve their maths skills and earning power.

Multiplying is just one of the targeted actions the government is taking to ensure that more people learn the math skills they need to succeed. As well as the parents’ commitment in the schools white paper, the government has also announced that it will provide maths, physics, chemistry and IT teachers working in deprived schools across England with a payment tax-free of up to £3,000 a year for the next three school years. . This investment through Leveling Up Premium, which is expected to be £60 million over three years, is part of the government’s commitment to improving education for all by ensuring everyone has access to the highest level of education. higher, regardless of where in the country they live.

Multiply will offer adults who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or above in maths or equivalent, and who need to improve their numeracy, free flexible courses that fit their life. Local courses and additional support should be available later this year. These courses will equip adults across the UK with the numeracy skills they need to reach their potential.