More maths for all and a computer science boost

THE number of computer science teachers is to be trebled, the Chancellor announced, as he set out plans to create a National Centre for Computing.

Philip Hammond pledged £84 million to train 8,000 GCSE teachers in computer science, a relatively new subject that became part of the national curriculum three years ago.

Mr Hammond declared there would be “more maths for everyone” before joking that he knew how to “show the nation a good time”.

More than £80million will be available for a drive to boost the numbers of students opting to study maths, with schools awarded £600 for each student who decides to take maths or further maths A-levels or core maths.

Mr Hammond told MPS: “Knowledge of maths is key to the hi-tech, cuttingedge jobs in our digital economy. But it is also useful in less glamorous roles, such as front-line politics.”

He said the cash would enable “highly talented young mathematicians” to “release their potential wherever they live and whatever their background”.

He said £177 million will be made available to promote maths skills.

A further £42million will be spent on a pilot scheme to give teachers in underperforming schools £1,000 for training.

However, Kevin Courtney, of the National Education Union, said there was “no significant new money for education” and warned that offering schools money for students taking up maths Alevels “could steer students towards subjects not in their interest”.