Background Information

The ability of people to understand the world in which they live and work increasingly depends on their understanding of scientific ideas and associated technologies and social questions. For most people such understanding will come mainly through education.

Science, mathematics and computing are at the heart of modern life and provide the foundations for economic prosperity.

The Royal Society’s ambition for the next 20 years of science, mathematics and computing education is that it should enable people to make informed choices, empower them to shape scientific and technological developments, and equip them to work in an advanced economy.

This is necessary if the UK is to maintain its position as a world leader in science and engineering, achieve economic growth and to secure the health and well-being of the nation.

The Vision aims to raise the general level of mathematical and scientific knowledge and provide confidence in the population and the skills employers need.

There is currently excellent practice in primary and secondary schools and colleges across the UK’s four nations. The Vision for science, mathematics and computing education from 5–18 years of age offers a way to build on these foundations and to ensure that the UK's education systems meet the needs of all in the 21st century.