TIMSS Information for Pupils
You’ve been selected to join pupils from 70+ countries around the world to take part in research that helps pupils learn about maths and science.
TIMSS 2027 gives you the chance to represent England on the world stage and help improve science and maths for everyone.
Jump to the section that's right for you:
Year 5
You've been chosen to take part in TIMSS! You’ll join over 600,000 pupils across the world helping to understand how children your age learn maths and science.
You’ll be representing your school and helping to improve learning for children everywhere. Your parents or carers will also be sent a questionnaire about your learning in school and at home.
What will happen on the day?
- Settle in
You will sit at a computer with your class. A TIMSS Study Administrator will explain what to do and you can ask any questions.
- Answer some maths and science questions
You will answer questions on a computer. Some are multiple choice, some ask you to type an answer or drag things on screen. They're designed to be interesting. There’s nothing to worry about.
- Tell us about yourself
You'll answer a short questionnaire about what you think of maths and science – things like whether you enjoy them and how you feel in lessons. There are no right or wrong answers, just provide your honest thoughts.
- You've taken part and you've made a difference!
That's it! Thank you for representing England in this worldwide study.
✅ Don't worry!
Your answers won't affect your school grades or go on your school record. There is nothing to revise. Just do your best and be honest – every answer you give helps researchers understand how to make maths and science better for children everywhere.
🌏 You are joining a global team
Pupils in over 70 countries – from Japan and Brazil to Iceland and South Africa – are taking part in TIMSS 2027 at the same time as you.
Australia · Brazil · Canada · Denmark · England · Finland · Georgia · Hungary · India · Japan · Korea · Latvia · Malaysia · New Zealand · Norway · Oman · Poland · Qatar · Romania · Singapore · Türkiye · USA · Wales · and many more...
Questions you might have
Will my teacher see how I do?
No. Only researchers look at your answers, and they look at everyone’s answers together.
What questions will I be asked?
You’ll be asked questions about topics appropriate for pupils your age in maths and science. You can see some example maths and science questions and examples of the pupil questionnaire here.
What if I don’t know the an answer?
That’s completely fine! Just try your best. If you are not sure, make your best guess. Leaving questions blank is okay too.
Why was my school picked?
Schools are chosen randomly to make sure pupils from all kinds of schools across England are represented. You and your school are representing other similar schools in the research.
What happens after I finish?
Researchers will look at answers from children in all 70+ countries and write reports showing how pupils learn maths and science around the world. The results will be published in 2028!
Year 9
You've been selected to take part in TIMSS!
You’ll join over 600,000 students across the world, helping to understand how young people your age learn maths and science. You’ll be representing your school and helping to improve learning for young people everywhere.
What will happen on the day?
- The study begins
You will answer maths and science questions on a computer. They will be on topics you study at school. Some are multiple choice, some ask you to type an answer or drag things on-screen. They're designed to be interesting. There’s nothing to worry about.
- Tell us about yourself
You'll complete a short questionnaire about your attitudes to maths and science – how confident you feel, whether you enjoy the subjects, and what your lessons are like. There are no right or wrong answers.
- You've taken part and you've made a difference!
That's it! Your data joins that of thousands of students worldwide, contributing to research that shapes education policy in England and internationally. Thank you for representing England in this worldwide study.
✅ This is not an exam and will not affect your school grades
Your individual TIMSS results are never shared with your school, reported to parents, or used in any way that affects your academic record. No revision is needed. Just engage honestly and do your best – every answer you give helps researchers understand how to make maths and science education better for young people everywhere.
🌏 You are part of a global study
Young people in over 70 countries – from Japan and Brazil to Iceland and South Africa – are taking part in TIMSS 2027 at the same time as you.
Australia · Brazil · Canada · Denmark · England · Finland · Georgia · Hungary · India · Japan · Korea · Latvia · Malaysia · New Zealand · Norway · Oman · Poland · Qatar · Romania · Singapore · Türkiye · USA · Wales · and many more...
Questions you might have
Will my teacher see how I do?
No. Only the research team at NFER look at your answers, and they look at everyone’s answers together. Results are not reported for individual pupils.
What topics are covered?
You’ll be asked questions about topics appropriate for young people your age in maths and science.
You can see some example maths and science questions and examples of the pupil questionnaire here.
Do I need to revise or prepare?
No preparation is needed. TIMSS measures what you’ve learned in your maths and science lessons. Just try your best.
Why was my school chosen?
Schools are selected through rigorous random sampling to ensure the results represent all pupils across England. You and your school’s participation helps ensure the data is accurate and reliable.
What if I have concerns about the questionnaire?
If any question makes you feel uncomfortable, you can simply skip it. Speak to your teacher if you have any concerns.
When will I find out the results?
The international results will be published in late 2028. You’ll be able to see how England performed compared with other countries on the NFER and Department for Education websites.