Budget 2016-compulsory maths lesson upto age of 18

Budget 2016: Maths lessons could become compulsory for all pupils up to age of 18

Move is part of a blueprint to ensure next generation of schoolchildren get the 'best start' in life for employment

Richard Garner Education Editor Wednesday 16 March 2016Education reform remains a key government focusGetty Images

Maths lessons could become compulsory for all pupils up until the age of 18.

Chancellor George Osborne announced the setting up of a review to determine whether the subject should be studied by all children until they leave education as part of a blueprint to ensure the next generation gets the “best start” in life for employment. In England, young people already have to stay in school or training until they are 18.

It was one of a series of measures unveiled by the Chancellor to ensure that reforming the education system remains a key government focus.

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Mr Osborne also announced he would bring forward the introduction of a “fair funding formula” to ensure all schools received an equitable level of Government cash. The new system would be introduced by 2020.

At present, inner city schools receive more funding than those in rural areas - leading to claims that any attempt to tamper with funding would deprive disadvantaged pupils in urban areas. However, the Chancellor announced that an extra £500 million would be earmarked to cushion the blow for areas that have been well-funded in the past.