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 strengthens and reinforces our role and reputation as the UK’s ‘go-to’ numeracy experts and helps increase how numeracy is understood, valued and developed. How do we work? We provide support, tools and training for improving number confidence and skills. Whether you want to help your team, help yourself or support our cause, please get in touch with enquiries@nationalnumeracy.org.uk Find out all about our work at The National Numeracy Challenge is our free and easy-to-use website where people can improve their confidence and skills with numbers. You can get started in 10 minutes and go your own pace, whenever it suits you. Find out more about the Challenge at National Numeracy Day is the UK’s only annual day dedicated to everyday maths. This year it was, on 18 May, we helped the nation with numbers for work, home and school. Catch up at