Educational debates over the past few months have focused on young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and the cycle of compulsory GCSE maths resits. Too often we start discussing these problems around age 16. The latest findings in our annual review of mathematical education (RoME 2026) show that we need to prioritise tackling these issues earlier in secondary education. In our Pipeline and Introductory reports, we highlighted how the roots of inequalities in mathematical education reach a long way back. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in