New Delhi, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : Concerns are mounting over the declining education standards in Europe, as recent findings from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) highlight troubling trends. Countries known for their robust educational systems, such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, have reported a significant drop in student performance in mathematics, reading, and science.
The PISA 2025 results, which involved approximately 760,000 students from 91 countries and economies, reveal that many European students are struggling to apply their school-acquired knowledge in real-life situations. This decline raises questions, especially in an era dominated by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Germany has witnessed a notable decrease in student performance, with nearly one in four students failing to meet the minimum proficiency level in science. Additionally, about one-third of students did not achieve the required competencies in reading and mathematics. Over the past decade, the percentage of German students performing poorly in these subjects has increased.
In the Netherlands, the situation regarding reading skills is particularly alarming. In 2025, around 39% of 15-year-olds lacked basic reading proficiency, a rise from 33% in 2022. The report indicates a significant decline in reading performance among Dutch students over the last ten years.
France’s results are among the weakest recorded to date. Even Finland, long regarded as a model of educational success, has seen a drop in performance in mathematics and reading, prompting questions about the new challenges facing once-strong education systems.
Experts and educators have differing opinions on the causes of this decline. While the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are often cited, the issues extend beyond just the pandemic. Increasing smartphone and digital device usage, school absenteeism, changes in reading habits, and socio-economic disparities are also considered potential contributing factors.
An important aspect of the PISA results is that the decline is not confined to a single country or educational model. OECD countries have shown a broad weakness in average performance compared to previous years. This trend suggests that even developed nations must grapple with how to strengthen children’s foundational learning abilities in the digital age.
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