Overview
- The OECD published PISA 2025 on Tuesday, Sept 8, reporting the lowest OECD‑average scores yet in science, reading and mathematics across the international sample.
- China and Singapore led the rankings with China top in mathematics and science and Singapore first in reading, while several East Asian systems remained among the highest performers.
- Australia recorded its worst‑ever PISA results in reading and mathematics even as its students scored well above average in the new Learning in the Digital World domain that measures computational problem‑solving.
- The OECD linked broad declines to falling rates of reading for enjoyment, a rapid shift to digital reading and more classroom digital distractions, findings that countries cite as they justify reforms such as phonics, numeracy checks, behaviour measures and targeted tutoring.
- Results expose large cross‑country gaps and persistent socio‑economic and gender inequalities and are already prompting national responses from funding changes to curriculum rewrites and tighter classroom technology rules, with devolved jurisdictions such as Wales highlighted for continued lagging performance.