The third R: towards a numerate society

In early 1978 the Institute of Mathematics tested 7000 school‐leavers in basic mathematical competence and the results were horrifying: only 6.5 per cent achieved full marks on the very simple questions. The survey produced a national impact, however shortlived. The Times commented ‘…the existing system is turning out too many children grossly ill‐equipped for the everyday needs of adult life. An adult who cannot add up his milk bill is hardly better able to fend for himself than one who cannot read.’