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Poor mental health in UK schools linked to the perceived pressure to do well is also a factor that cannot be overlooked. In a 2018 National Education Union (NEU) survey of 730 education staff, 68% believed they were dealing with more mental health issues than five years previously.

The UK education system: outdated methods?

“The UK education system is one of the most respected in the world, yet it is also very traditional,” says Khurma. “The way maths is taught and learned in UK schools can contribute to the subject being perceived as complicated, and one in which only smarter students should hope to succeed.”

Cultural value placed on STEM subjects

Khurma also believes that the UK doesn’t bestow the same cultural value on succeeding in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. These studies are considered important because they teach skills that are integral to the technological and scientific industries that sustain economic growth.

While the UK government has a STEM strategy in recognition of the importance of these subjects “to grow a dynamic, innovative economy”, according to Khurma countries like India and China place a great deal more emphasis on these modules.

A shortage of role models

In the UK, the uptake of maths in further education is very low compared to other countries, which translates to a lack of role models. Whatever the reasons for this poor track record, having fewer influential figures in maths may do little to convince students that doing well in this area is within their reach.

After all, research has consistently shown the significant impact of female role models on female students when they either show confidence or doubt in their own maths abilities.

Mental health in UK schools

Unfortunately, there is growing evidence to suggest that mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, are dramatically increasing in UK schools. The NEU survey found that 48% of students were experiencing panic attacks - a sudden physiological response to anxiety. The same survey also suggests that 67% of students believed their anxiety and other mental health issues were due to pressure from schools to do well, and 48% said it was due to the burden they put on themselves to succeed. In either case, the systemic need to achieve academically is having an adverse affect on mental health.

Poor mental health can lead to conditions such as anxiety and depression, and also result in low self-esteem, defined as the thoughts we have about ourselves, and low confidence - how we rate our own abilities.