In short:
Australian students remain above the OECD average, but PISA 2025 shows long-term declines in reading and mathematics performance. The international report also highlights school attendance, classroom discipline and digital distraction as challenges.
Reading And Mathematics Sliding
Australian 15-year-olds continue to outperform the OECD average, but reading and mathematics results have fallen over the longer term, according to the latest international assessment of school students.
The OECD’s PISA 2025 report assesses students across 91 countries and economies, measuring skills in science, reading and mathematics.
The OECD, or Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, is an international organisation of 38 member countries, including Australia, which compares economic, social and education outcomes.
Australia remains among the stronger-performing education systems internationally, but its results come amid a broader decline in student achievement across developed countries.
Across the OECD, 2025 produces the lowest average results recorded in science, reading and mathematics, with mathematics and reading showing particularly significant long-term falls.
The OECD says the longer-term decline cannot simply be attributed to COVID-era disruption, with falls beginning before the pandemic.
School attendance is another concern, with truancy increasing since the previous assessment. The OECD says regular attendance is essential for learning, with skipping classes or entire school days reducing students’ opportunities to learn.
The report also identifies classroom discipline, teacher support and digital distraction as factors associated with student performance.
The OECD recommends education systems strengthen foundations in reading, mathematics and science, while reducing unnecessary digital distractions and improving classroom management.
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