Multiply

Multiply is a £560 million government scheme which is set to improve the maths skills of hundreds of thousands of adults across the UK.

More than 8 million adults in England have numeracy skills lower than those expected of a 9-year-old with the North East, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber worst affected. And by the age of 30, people with poor numeracy skills are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as their peers.

Having a good understanding of numbers is vital for everyday life, from working out a restaurant bill, managing personal finances, cooking, or helping children with their homework.

It is estimated that maths adds over £200bn in value to the UK economy – almost 10% of the UK’s GDP.

According to research, improving numeracy skills can increase your pay cheque by 14%, and reduce joblessness by half – boosting the economy and changing lives.

What is the Multiply programme?

Multiply will offer adults who want to improve their numeracy and do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or equivalent, free flexible courses that fit around their lives.

Why is it important?

People with good numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing, but around 17 million adults in England – half of the working-age population – have the numeracy skills of primary school children.

Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work.

Multiply has the potential to reach adults across the whole United Kingdom over the next three years and will support our Levelling Up mission to ensure that by 2030, the number of people successfully completing high-quality skills training will have significantly increased in every area of the United Kingdom.

Who is it for?

Adults aged 19+ who do not already have a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths can apply for the Multiply programme.