The TIMSS 2023 results: a call to action for mathematics education in France

The TIMSS 2023 results have just been published, and they leave little room for doubt: French pupils continue to underperform in mathematics compared with their international peers.

This troubling picture brings into focus the major challenges facing the French education system, and underlines how urgently pupils’ mathematical skills need to improve.

The alarming figures in the TIMSS 2023 results

A score below average

French secondary pupils scored 479 in mathematics, well below the average of OECD and European Union countries, which stands at 507 points. By comparison, Italy scores 501 points and Sweden 517.

Few pupils reaching an advanced level

Only 3% of French pupils reached an advanced level in mathematics, against 11% across participating countries on average.

Widening gaps

Over four years, the gap between the highest- and lowest-performing pupils has widened by 34 points. Today, 17% of French pupils have not reached the basic level in mathematics, against 3% in 1995 and 12% in 2019.

The underlying causes

Several factors feed into these results: widening gender gaps (40% of girls report low confidence in mathematics, against 54% of boys), and a deteriorating classroom climate — 18% of pupils report disruptive behaviour during most of their mathematics lessons, against 11% in 2019.

What Da Vinci Private School does differently

At Da Vinci Private School, an international school near Montpellier, we have put several answers to these challenges in place:

The Singapore method. We teach mathematics concretely and interactively, so that concepts take firm hold — particularly valuable in preparing children for secondary school.

Small class sizes. Personal attention for every child, to close gaps and support each one according to their needs.

Assessment that protects self-confidence. Our competency-based assessment recognises what a child can do and helps them value and respect themselves, rather than reflecting back a negative image that could eat away at their confidence.

The TIMSS 2023 results are a call to action for the French education system. At Da Vinci Private School, we remain committed to offering a high-quality education that prepares every child for a future full of possibilities.