Wales' PISA scores plunge, experts call for urgent focus on teaching quality

The 2025 PISA test, taken by 15-year-olds in Wales, recorded scores of 459 in reading, 456 in maths and 476 in science, each below both the UK and OECD averages and continuing a two-decade decline since Wales joined the study in 2006. The gap is widest among the least advantaged students, who trail by dozens of points, equivalent to several years of learning. Education scholars such as Alma Harris and David Egan warned that the new Plaid Cymru government must prioritize funding for teacher development and leadership rather than rely on curriculum reform alone.

Union leaders echoed these concerns, calling for increased staffing, professional development and resources on the classroom front. The education minister, Anna Brychan, acknowledged the poor outcomes and announced forthcoming literacy and numeracy initiatives, but critics say swift action is needed before the next PISA cycle in 2028.