Reimagining numeracy - Innovation through student insight - Co-creating an inclusive assessment

Oct 20, 2026

Reimagining numeracy through student insight, this research initiative helps design a new digital, on-demand numeracy app and assessment for young people. Working with teachers and students, the project co-develops an inclusive qualification focused on everyday numeracy in real-world contexts such as work, money management, and active citizenship. Insights come from students in alternative provision settings and those resitting GCSE Maths, using prototype trials and focus groups.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Reimagining numeracy

Co-creating an inclusive assessment

Who was involved and what they did

Why it matters

What students said

Accessibility and clarity

Inclusive assessment, fit for the future

Reimagining numeracy: Innovation through student insight As part of AQA’s drive for inclusive, skillsfocused assessment, our research team is helping to shape a new digital, on-demand numeracy app and assessment. Developed in collaboration with teachers and students, this product aims to offer young people a fresh, flexible way to build and showcase practical maths skills – focusing on everyday numeracy in real-world contexts such as work, money management and active citizenship. Co-creating an inclusive assessment By engaging directly with students in alternative provision (AP) settings and those who are resitting GCSE Maths, we gained valuable insights into the experiences, challenges and preferences of these underrepresented groups. Who was involved Students were from: • a hospital school • an autism support unit • a young parent programme • a large further education (FE) college. What they did Students participated in: • hands-on trials of the prototype app and assessment • interactive focus groups to share experiences and ideas for improvement. Why it matters Student voices can help ensure the product is: • accessible • engaging • relevant to real-world numeracy. [aqa.org. uk/about-us/our-research](aqa.org. uk/about-us/our-research)[ ](aqa.org. uk/about-us/our-research)[research@aqa.org. uk](research@aqa.org. uk) @AQA What students said Maths that’s relevant to everyday life Students consistently valued numeracy skills they could apply in real life over abstract concepts like algebra. “It’s stuff that you actually need when you [leave school ... it](leave school ... it)’s showing you debt, your loans, budgets. You will need literally all of those things when you leave school … it’s teaching you proper life skills.” Student 3, AP1 Many students felt confident using numeracy in daily life, even if their formal maths attainment was low. They saw practical maths as essential for achieving a wide range of career goals. “In plastering it’s pretty relevant … with plasterboards, we have to make sure it’s level on the wall … and we need to make sure it’s cut down to the right size. So we need basic maths for that, but I don’t think we need complex maths for anything really.” Student 3, College FG3 Accessibility and clarity For AP students – many of whom experience anxiety and low confidence in maths – a clear, supportive learning environment makes all the difference. Celebrating their effort and progress not only boosts morale but also helps maintain momentum and motivation. Students responded positively to the flexibility of an on-demand digital qualification. The freedom to work at their own pace, without the pressure of a time limit, gave them a sense of control and confidence. “If there’s some sort of reward, I’m more likely to do it.” Student 1, AP2 Inclusive assessment, fit for the future As an education charity with social mobility at its core, we’re committed to co-designing the numeracy learning app and assessment in partnership with students and educators. Their voices are shaping a product that isnot only accessible and engaging, but also meaningful and [empowering.](empowering. aqa.org. uk/about-us/our-research)[ aqa.org. uk/about-us/our-research](empowering. aqa.org. uk/about-us/our-research) [research@aqa.org. uk](research@aqa.org. uk) @AQA Copyright © 2025 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. G02762_02

FAQs

What is the goal of the new numeracy app and assessment?

To provide young people with a flexible way to build and showcase practical maths skills focused on everyday numeracy in real-world contexts.

Who took part in the research and trials?

Students from a hospital school, an autism support unit, a young parent programme, and a further education (FE) college participated in trials and interactive focus groups.

How did students describe the importance of numeracy?

Students valued numeracy skills they can apply in daily life and practical tasks, and they often felt confident using numeracy even when their formal maths attainment was low.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Jordan Avery