About TIMSS
What is TIMSS?
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is an assessment of mathematics and science that has been monitoring trends in pupil achievement in Years 6 and 10 (Grades 4 and 8 internationally) since 1995. In Northern Ireland only Year 6 (Grade 4) pupils are sampled. TIMSS takes place every 4 years in over 60 countries and provides internationally comparative data on pupils’ attainment in mathematics and science, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background.
In addition, TIMSS includes questionnaires for teachers, Principals, and participating pupils' parents/guardians which provide a valuable perspective on maths and science teaching and the school and home environments.
What does TIMSS consist of?
In Northern Ireland TIMSS consists of five components:
- an onscreen mathematics and science assessment for pupils
- a background questionnaire for pupils
- a questionnaire for teachers
- a school questionnaire for headteachers and
- a home questionnaire for parents and/or guardians.
For more information and links to example items, please see our FAQs (question 8).
How is TIMSS delivered?
TIMSS is delivered by a National Study Centre in participating countries. Pearson and UCL’s Institute of Education (IOE) have been appointed as the TIMSS 2023 National Study Centre for Northern Ireland by the Department of Education. Pearson will work with schools to deliver the study managing the administration, processing and scoring of the TIMSS 2023 assessment. UCL will be responsible for the reporting and dissemination of the TIMSS 2023 findings in Northern Ireland.
TIMSS timeline
May 2023 to June 2023 – pupils in Northern Ireland will participate in the TIMSS main study.
December 2023 to December 2024 – international researchers analyse the data from all participating countries and prepare reports on the results.
December 2024 – findings of each country are published in an international report by the IEA. A national report for NI will be written and published by UCL, on behalf of the Department of Education.
March to December 2025 – UCL will share more findings from their analysis of NI’s TIMSS 2023 data.