# Test results show maths, reading improving

> Primary school math and reading scores rise as reforms take effect.
- Title: Test results show maths, reading improving · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: Primary school math and reading scores rise as reforms take effect. New Zealand primary students' math and vocabulary skills improved while reading…
- Keywords: new zealand, primary school, maths, reading comprehension, pat tests, education minister, erica stanford, david coblentz, covid impact, structured literacy, politics, news
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/education/1886412/test-results-show-maths-reading-improving
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-13T18:21:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new zealand, primary school, maths, reading comprehension, pat tests, education minister, erica stanford, david coblentz, covid impact, structured literacy, politics, news
## Math scores rebound
Primary school math scores improved significantly after a two-year decline.
## Reading vocabulary up
Reading vocabulary scores rose steadily since 2021, reaching a peak this year.
## Reading comprehension dip
Reading comprehension scores dropped sharply from 2015 to 2024, reaching a low this year.
## Government claims reform impact
Education Minister Erica Stanford said reforms and teacher implementation drove recent improvements.
## Digital devices linked to reading gains
Researcher David Coblentz noted a spike in reading vocabulary gains coincided with cell phone adoption.
## Gender gaps shift
Math improvements helped boys more than girls, while girls lagged in reading comprehension.
## Covid impact on scores
Covid disruptions affected reading comprehension and math scores in recent years.
## Teachers credited for gains
Teachers implemented curriculum changes that boosted math and reading skills.
## Long-term sustainability questioned
Teacher unions warned sustained improvements require tracking the same student cohorts over time.
## Ethnic gaps persist
Persistent ethnic gaps in reading and math scores remain despite recent improvements.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand primary students' math and vocabulary skills improved while reading comprehension dipped, with government reforms credited for recent gains.