Press Release: New briefing reveals growth in maths education in Scotland
24th July 2026
Sixfold increase in entries suggests the new maths qualification is attracting thousands more young people into mathematics
A new briefing paper, published by the David Hume Institute, reveals that Scotland's National 5 Applications of Mathematics qualification has experienced extraordinary growth. Since its introduction in 2019, entries increased sixfold in six years and it is helping drive a significant rise in the number of young people studying mathematics.
National 5 Entries into Mathematics and Applications of mathematics
The briefing, Applications of Mathematics: A Revolution in Maths Education in Scotland? shows that National 5 Applications of Mathematics entries rose from 4,460 in 2019 to 27,655 in 2025.
The qualification is now the third most popular National 5 examination in Scotland, behind only English and traditional Mathematics. Together, Applications of Mathematics and traditional Mathematics have contributed to an increase of over a third in the number of pupils taking a National 5 maths qualification.
The paper argues that the qualification represents an important innovation in Scottish education by focusing on practical mathematical skills that young people use in everyday life - including budgeting, taxation, personal finance, loans, interest rates and interpreting data - while also supporting the skills increasingly sought by employers in sectors such as financial services and data science.
Young people who spoke to the David Hume Institute as part of the research said:
“I like Maths Apps because I can see why I need it in the real world.” High School Student
“I hated algebra and normal maths but Applications of Maths feels like stuff I’ll need in my life.” High School Student
Overall participation in mathematics has increased by more than a third and rather than replacing traditional mathematics, the evidence suggests the qualification is broadening participation. Some pupils are choosing to study both qualifications at National 5.
There has also been a rapid growth in Higher Applications of Mathematics since its introduction in 2022 - from 868 entries in 2022 to 4,682 in 2025 - demonstrating increasing demand for the qualification that combines mathematical reasoning with practical statistical and financial skills.
Susan Murray, Director of the David Hume Institute, said:
"Applications of Mathematics is an important development which is rapidly growing the number of people studying maths. The practical mathematical skills are helping equip more young people with the skills they need for modern life and work.
“From our past research on The Great Risk Transfer we know how important financial literacy is throughout our lives. This new curriculum helps develop those much needed skills."
Johnny Timpson, Commissioner, Financial Inclusion Commission said
"I’m hugely supportive of the development of the Applications of Mathematics curriculum. Stronger financial capability is key to improving people's career opportunities and is also linked to improved well being and resilience to shocks for people of all ages"
Leon Ward, Chief Executive of charity Money Ready, said:
“This is the kind of content that financial literacy advocates have been arguing should be embedded in the curriculum for years.”
The briefing also draws attention to the need for greater awareness of the qualification among parents, employers, universities and policymakers. While Applications of Mathematics is now well established in schools, many outside education remain unfamiliar with the qualification and the opportunities it provides for learners.
David McCulloch, High School Mathematics Teacher said:
"As a teacher, we regularly have conversations with young people and their families about N5 and Higher Apps. There are key skills in the Higher course which are very relevant to careers in financial services such as mathematical modelling, project planning and the use of Excel and statistical software."
Abi, 2026 Graduate said:
"I have just graduated with a degree in Community Education. I struggled with traditional maths at Nat 5 but Apps helped me develop skills I needed for university, and life. Without Applications of Maths I wouldn't have been eligible for the course. It really is a much needed bridge for young people like me.“
As conversations continue around financial literacy, workforce skills and curriculum reform, the paper concludes that Applications of Mathematics offers an important piece of the jigsaw for how education can better connect classroom learning with real-world challenges and future employment.
ENDS -
Sharing thumbnail image credit: Photo by Ben Mullins free from Unsplash 23 July 2026