France and Germany have recorded their worst-ever results in the latest Pisa education assessment, while the Netherlands and Finland have also suffered sharp declines.

The 2025 Pisa tests assess how effectively 15-year-olds apply their knowledge of reading, mathematics and science to real-life situations. According to The Guardian, the latest results show that several of western Europe’s traditionally strong education systems are continuing a decline that began in 2018.

In France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, the share of 15-year-olds lacking basic functional skills in reading and mathematics has risen to almost one in three.

The disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the decline, but education experts say deeper problems include teacher shortages, frequent curriculum changes, growing inequality and declining student motivation. Excessive smartphone and social media use has also been blamed for shorter attention spans and a decline in deep reading.

Germany sees major decline

Germany recorded its worst Pisa results since the assessment began, reigniting concerns about educational inequality and the country’s ability to ensure students develop basic skills.

About one in four German pupils lacked basic competency in science, while one in three fell below the required level in reading and mathematics. Around one in five lacked sufficient skills across all three subjects.

The connection between family income and academic performance was particularly strong. Only 2% of pupils from low-income families reached high levels of competence, compared with 25% of those from wealthier backgrounds.

Germany had previously experienced a “Pisa shock” in 2000, when poor results prompted major education reforms. The country improved significantly by 2012, but the latest results show it slipping back towards the OECD average.

Reading habits have also deteriorated. One in two German 15-year-olds said they read only when required, while the number considered at risk because of weak reading and maths skills has doubled over the past decade.

Education minister Karin Prien called for an urgent response and highlighted concerns over excessive social media use.

Netherlands hits historic low

The Netherlands recorded a historic low in reading, with 39% of 15-year-olds lacking the basic skills needed to navigate everyday life, assess the reliability of information and understand longer texts.

That figure has risen from 33% in 2022, while the country’s reading score has fallen by more than 60 points over the past decade, according to The Guardian.

Maths and science results also declined, with mathematics reaching a record low despite the Netherlands historically performing strongly in the subject.

The Dutch education ministry acknowledged that the decline appeared to be structural rather than simply a consequence of the pandemic.

Teachers’ unions, however, pointed to staff shortages, cancelled classes and growing workloads. Reading advocates argued that schools had focused too heavily on mechanical comprehension exercises instead of developing lasting reading habits.

France struggles with inequality

France also recorded deeply disappointing results, continuing a long-term decline in educational performance.

Education analysts have highlighted underinvestment, particularly in primary schools, as well as significant inequalities linked to pupils’ socioeconomic backgrounds.

According to The Guardian, France has also experienced frequent changes in education leadership, with eight different education ministers over the past decade. Teachers have faced repeated policy changes and new directives, while mid-career salaries remain below the OECD average.

Éric Charbonnier, an OECD education analyst, said greater emphasis should be placed on giving teachers more freedom to develop teaching methods and providing stronger training focused on classroom practice.

Finland’s reputation under pressure

Finland, once celebrated as one of Europe’s strongest education systems, also recorded weaker results.

Average scores fell in reading and mathematics compared with 2022, while science performance remained stable.

Arto K Ahonen, Finland’s Pisa national project manager, said the results had raised concerns about pupils’ perseverance and effort.

He also argued that the country’s education system needs to adapt to changing social conditions, noting that its curriculum has undergone no major overhaul in around 50 years.

Neighbouring Sweden has faced similar concerns, with record-low results fuelling political debate over factors including screen use, immigration and teacher shortages.

However, education experts have warned against seeking a single explanation. Sweden’s national education agency said reforms were already under way to strengthen pupils’ knowledge and give teachers a greater role in creating a safer and more equal classroom environment.