About TIMSS
What is TIMSS?
TIMSS is developed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and managed by the TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center at Boston College. The ninth cycle of TIMSS will take place in 2027, continuing over three decades of data on mathematics and science achievement worldwide.
Findings from TIMSS provide high-quality, internationally comparative data to inform education policy in England and globally. The study offers valuable insights into pupils’ attitudes toward learning, school resources, teaching practices and qualifications, and how these factors relate to achievement. This information helps improve teaching and learning in mathematics and science across the country.
Key features of TIMSS 2027
- Digital assessment: TIMSS 2027 is fully computer-based. Pupils complete innovative and engaging tasks exploring their maths and science skills.
- Contextual data: TIMSS 2027 goes beyond test scores to collect comprehensive information about teaching practices, resources, and pupils' learning experiences.
- Pupils also answer a short questionnaire about themselves and their schools.
- Headteachers and class teachers of participating pupils each receive a questionnaire to provide important background information to help better understand what makes successful learners.
- Parents of Year 5 pupils complete a questionnaire to gain information about home learning environments.
- Internationally comparable: the assessments are developed collaboratively with participating countries to ensure relevance to national curriculums.
- Trend analysis: with data collected since 1995, TIMSS enables countries to track progress and understand changes in achievement over time.
Who will conduct the TIMSS study in England?
TIMSS will be delivered in England by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) on behalf of the Department for Education.
TIMSS 2027 timeline
From November 2025 – schools that have been selected to participate in the field trial of the study are contacted by NFER. We support schools throughout the study to ensure that participating is a rewarding experience for teachers and pupils.
March and April 2026 – pupils in England take part in the TIMSS 2027 field trial. Information from the field trial is used to prepare for the main study.
From October 2026 – schools that have been selected to participate in the main study are contacted by NFER. We support schools throughout the study to ensure that participating is a rewarding experience for teachers and pupils.
May and June 2027 – pupils in England take part in the TIMSS 2027 study.
From July 2027 to December 2028 – international researchers collate and analyse the data from all participating countries and prepare reports on the results.
December 2028 – the IEA publishes the international report about all countries. The national report for England is published by DfE.