New maths adviser to devise formula for curriculum reform in Scotland

A specialist maths adviser has been appointed by Scottish ministers to reform the curriculum and boost achievement in schools.

Jenny Gilruth, the education secretary, announced that Andy Brown — who has also held acting head teacher roles in schools — will work with bosses at Education Scotland to lead work to develop a new approach to maths and numeracy.

The national mathematics specialist adviser will “play a valuable role as we strive for excellence” in the subject, Gilruth said.

An international study has shown that maths performance in Scottish schools is declining. The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ranked Scotland slightly below the OECD average for maths.

The results, published last year, showed that