OECD reports decline in reading and math scores in PISA 2025

The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) released its first results from the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) on Thursday, showing a marked decline in reading and mathematics performance among 15‑year‑old students across the 38 participating OECD economies. The average reading score fell by five points to 487, while mathematics dropped seven points to 470, representing the steepest year‑on‑year decreases recorded since the assessment began in 2000. The downturn was observed in the majority of member states, with the United Kingdom, Canada and several Central European nations registering the largest losses, whereas a few countries such as Estonia and Singapore managed to hold their positions near the top of the rankings. In contrast, science scores remained largely unchanged, edging up by one point to an average of 496.

OECD officials attributed the slide to a combination of pandemic‑related learning disruptions, reduced instructional time in core subjects and widening socioeconomic gaps that have intensified in recent years. The agency warned that the downward trend could have long‑term implications for labour market readiness and economic competitiveness if not addressed promptly. In response, the OECD called on governments to strengthen remedial programmes, invest in teacher professional development and ensure equitable access to high‑quality learning resources, emphasizing that coordinated policy action will be essential to reverse the decline before the next assessment cycle.