Smith, who is also vice-chairman of the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust, said that forcing children through the exam system early was a ‘disaster’ and a ‘mistake’. Instead pupils should use the extended time to further enhance their skills and build on knowledge already taught in school.
He said: “Unusually bright people find the school mathematics syllabus undemanding. But there’s so much worthwhile mathematics to keep them happy and busy while their bodies turn into adults. School maths barely scratches the surface.”
The government has announced the locations of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges, backed by £175 million investment in skills training in priority areas.
New research suggests that eight out of 10 people (80%) back banning cars in streets around schools to encourage children to travel by healthier alternatives.
The government is proposing that schools appoint a lead governor with designated responsibility for school food, as part of its reforms to school food standards.
The government has set out plans to reform School Food Standards - the first time in over a decade - and is launching a nine-week consultation on the changes.
The government is launching a new programme to support schools in areas of high knife crime and improve pupils’ safety on their way to and from school.