Wales' performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) for 15-year-olds has fallen further behind other UK nations, according to results published today, 8 September 2026. The biggest decline was observed in maths scores, with reading results also lower.
While average science scores in Wales saw a slight increase, improvements in other UK nations were more significant. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) noted that the results indicate Wales' "overall downward trend still continuing".
The minister for education and Welsh language, Anna Brychan, stated that plans are in place to support schools in raising standards. In Wales, 113 schools participated in the 2025 Pisa tests, with 3,406 pupils taking part.