National Numeracy

The UK has a problem with numbers, and it is holding us back. As a nation, numeracy levels are significantly below the average for developed countries; and as individuals, nearly half the working-age population has the expected numeracy level of a primary school child. Not getting on with numbers blights lives and livelihoods, contributing to pervasive problems from unemployment to poor health and debt. And it costs the UK economy a staggering 20 billion a year. Low numeracy disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities and holds millions of people back from fulfilling their potential and from getting on in life. With anxiety about numbers passing on from one generation to the next, we need to stop this cycle now. Our work is an engine of social mobility, helping to improve numeracy and change perceptions, leading to better outcomes for individuals. It is scalable, supported by a sustainable funding base and delivered in partnership to leverage our impact. It strengthen...