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The world’s best high-school systems
22 high-school systems around the world, compared by country and economy: PISA 2022 scores in mathematics, reading and science, equity, teachers, pressure on pupils and access for families who move.
Questions the analysis answers
- In which countries of the world do high-school pupils learn best?
- What do East Asia’s results cost, in pressure on pupils?
- Where is it easiest for a Romanian family that moves?
The ranking
22 positions scored on 14 conditions adapted to this topic. 3 conditions are computed from public data using published formulas; the rest are judgement, with a rationale and sources for each position. Conditions that cannot be assessed yet get 5 (neutral) in the score and do not count as met. The scores are frozen in the snapshot of 3 November 2026 (fingerprint in the .sha256 file).
Extended to 22 entries on 5 November 2026: the first 11 keep the same scores, and 11 new entries were added, with sources. The previous snapshot stays published: social-licee-lume-2026-11-03.json.
| # | Name | Conditions | Score | Substance / form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 10/14 | 7.72 | Substance confirmed |
| 2 | Ireland | 10/14 | 6.76 | Substance without form |
| 3 | Taiwan | 9/14 | 7.16 | Substance confirmed |
| 4 | Estonia | 9/14 | 7.16 | Substance without form |
| 5 | Japan | 9/14 | 7.06 | Substance confirmed |
| 6 | Canada | 9/14 | 6.80 | Substance without form |
| 7 | Macao (China) | 8/14 | 7.36 | Substance without form |
| 8 | Switzerland | 8/14 | 6.64 | Substance confirmed |
| 9 | South Korea | 8/14 | 6.60 | Substance confirmed |
| 10 | Finland | 8/14 | 6.28 | Substance confirmed |
| 11 | Hong Kong (China) | 7/14 | 6.54 | Substance confirmed |
| 12 | Denmark | 7/14 | 6.28 | Substance without form |
| 13 | Poland | 5/14 | 6.06 | Substance without form |
| 14 | Netherlands | 5/14 | 5.88 | Substance confirmed |
| 15 | Czech Republic | 5/14 | 5.88 | Substance without form |
| 16 | Belgium | 5/14 | 5.80 | Substance confirmed |
| 17 | Slovenia | 5/14 | 5.80 | Substance without form |
| 18 | Austria | 5/14 | 5.80 | Substance confirmed |
| 19 | Sweden | 5/14 | 5.72 | Substance without form |
| 20 | New Zealand | 5/14 | 5.72 | Substance being confirmed |
| 21 | United Kingdom | 4/14 | 6.08 | Substance without form |
| 22 | Australia | 4/14 | 5.58 | Substance being confirmed |
Each position, condition by condition
Singapore · 10/14 · score 7.72 · Substance confirmed
The world’s best school system in PISA 2022: first in all three tests (mathematics 575, reading 543, science 561). Teaching is in English, but places for foreign pupils are few and fee-paying, and exam pressure is high.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 10 | Among the best mathematics scores in the world. Data: mathematics: 575 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 9 | Among the best reading scores in the world. Data: reading: 543 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 10 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 561 points |
| C4 | Equity | 7 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 10 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 8 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 9 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 8 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 9 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 5 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 5 | Moderate attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 3 | Early selection and high pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Ireland · 10/14 · score 6.76 · Substance without form
Second in the world in reading (516), level with Japan, with teaching in English and a large Romanian community; it is lower in mathematics (492).
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 492 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 7 | Among the best reading scores in the world. Data: reading: 516 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 504 points |
| C4 | Equity | 8 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 8 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 7 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 9 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 8 | Easy to access (for example, teaching in English). |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 7 | Low pressure, late selection. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Taiwan · 9/14 · score 7.16 · Substance confirmed
Third in mathematics (547), with one of the largest shares of top performers in the world; but the gaps between pupils are large and exam pressure is strong.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 10 | Among the best mathematics scores in the world. Data: mathematics: 547 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 7 | Among the best reading scores in the world. Data: reading: 515 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 9 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 537 points |
| C4 | Equity | 6 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 10 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 8 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 8 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 7 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 6 | Foreign languages learned moderately. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 3 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 3 | Early selection and high pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Estonia · 9/14 · score 7.16 · Substance without form
Europe’s best system and seventh in the world in mathematics (510), with very good results for pupils from modest families too, free state high schools and little pressure on pupils.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 6 | Close to the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 510 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 6 | Close to the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 511 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 8 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 526 points |
| C4 | Equity | 9 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 9 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 7 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 7 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 6 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 8 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 7 | Low pressure, late selection. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Japan · 9/14 · score 7.06 · Substance confirmed
Second in science (547) and among the first in reading (516) and mathematics (536), with results rising in 2022, when many countries fell. English is poorly learned, and entering the system is hard for a foreign family.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 9 | Among the best mathematics scores in the world. Data: mathematics: 536 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 7 | Among the best reading scores in the world. Data: reading: 516 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 10 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 547 points |
| C4 | Equity | 8 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 9 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 8 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 8 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 3 | Foreign languages poorly learned. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 3 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 8 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 4 | Early selection and high pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Canada · 9/14 · score 6.80 · Substance without form
Eighth in reading (507) and science (515), with good, free public schools, teaching in English or French and a good welcome for immigrant families. Mathematics has fallen compared with earlier tests.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 497 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 6 | Close to the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 507 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 7 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 515 points |
| C4 | Equity | 8 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 7 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 9 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 8 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 7 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 9 | Easy to access (for example, teaching in English). |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 8 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 4 | Results are falling sharply. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 8 | Low pressure, late selection. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Macao (China) · 8/14 · score 7.36 · Substance without form
Second in mathematics (552) and third in science (543), with good results for almost all pupils, whatever their family. A small, little-publicised system.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 10 | Among the best mathematics scores in the world. Data: mathematics: 552 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 6 | Close to the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 510 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 9 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 543 points |
| C4 | Equity | 9 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 8 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 8 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 7 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 5 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 6 | Foreign languages learned moderately. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 4 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 8 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 8 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 5 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Switzerland · 8/14 · score 6.64 · Substance confirmed
Eighth in the world in mathematics (508), with a dual system in which apprenticeship is as respected as academic high school; reading is weaker (483).
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 6 | Close to the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 508 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 3 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 483 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 503 points |
| C4 | Equity | 7 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 9 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 9 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 9 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 10 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 8 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 4 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 5 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
South Korea · 8/14 · score 6.60 · Substance confirmed
Among the first in all tests (mathematics 527, reading 515, science 528), with very well trained and respected teachers. The results come at a cost: near-universal private tutoring and some of the heaviest pressure on pupils in the world.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 8 | Among the best mathematics scores in the world. Data: mathematics: 527 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 7 | Among the best reading scores in the world. Data: reading: 515 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 8 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 528 points |
| C4 | Equity | 7 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 9 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 7 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 9 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 5 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 6 | Foreign languages learned moderately. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 3 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 6 | Moderate attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 2 | Early selection and high pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Finland · 8/14 · score 6.28 · Substance confirmed
Very well trained and respected teachers and a good science score (511); results have fallen steadily since their peak in the 2000s.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 3 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 484 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 490 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 6 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 511 points |
| C4 | Equity | 8 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 7 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 10 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 7 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 7 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 5 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 8 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 4 | Early selection and high pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Hong Kong (China) · 7/14 · score 6.54 · Substance confirmed
Fourth in mathematics (540), with teaching in English too; but reading fell sharply compared with 2018, and the OECD asks for caution in interpretation, because the sample did not meet all standards.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 9 | Among the best mathematics scores in the world. Data: mathematics: 540 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 500 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 7 | Among the best science scores in the world. Data: science: 520 points |
| C4 | Equity | 7 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 8 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 7 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 7 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 5 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 8 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 6 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 6 | Moderate attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 4 | Results are falling sharply. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 3 | Early selection and high pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Denmark · 7/14 · score 6.28 · Substance without form
Balanced results (489, 489, 494) and small gaps between students; English is very well mastered.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 489 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 489 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in science. Data: science: 494 points |
| C4 | Equity | 8 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 6 | An average share of top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 8 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 7 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 9 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 5 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 6 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Poland · 5/14 · score 6.06 · Substance without form
One of Europe’s great education successes of the past two decades; mathematics 489, science 499. Results fell in 2022, as in most countries.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 489 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 489 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 499 points |
| C4 | Equity | 7 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 7 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 6 | Well-trained teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 6 | Foreign languages learned moderately. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 6 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 8 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 6 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Netherlands · 5/14 · score 5.88 · Substance confirmed
Mathematics 493, above the OECD average, but a sharp fall in reading (459); early tracking separates students at a young age.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 493 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 1 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 459 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in science. Data: science: 488 points |
| C4 | Equity | 6 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 8 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 7 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 9 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 10 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 5 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 6 | Moderate attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 6 | Results stable or falling slightly. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 4 | Early selection and high pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Czech Republic · 5/14 · score 5.88 · Substance without form
Above the OECD average (487, 489, 498), but the link between family background and results is stronger than in northern Europe.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 487 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 489 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 498 points |
| C4 | Equity | 5 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 7 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 6 | Well-trained teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 7 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 6 | Foreign languages learned moderately. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 6 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 6 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Belgium · 5/14 · score 5.80 · Substance confirmed
Mathematics 489 and science 491, but large differences between the Flemish and French communities and between schools.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 489 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 3 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 479 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in science. Data: science: 491 points |
| C4 | Equity | 5 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 8 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 6 | Well-trained teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 8 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 8 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 5 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 6 | Moderate attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 5 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Slovenia · 5/14 · score 5.80 · Substance without form
Mathematics 485 and science 500, above the OECD average; reading (469) is the weak point.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 485 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 2 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 469 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 500 points |
| C4 | Equity | 7 | Good results for pupils from modest families too. |
| C5 | Top performers | 6 | An average share of top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 6 | Well-trained teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 7 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 6 | Foreign languages learned moderately. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 4 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 8 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 6 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Austria · 5/14 · score 5.80 · Substance confirmed
Above the OECD average in mathematics (487) and science (491), with a strong apprenticeship system; early tracking at age 10 widens social gaps.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 487 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 3 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 480 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in science. Data: science: 491 points |
| C4 | Equity | 5 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 8 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 7 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 9 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 7 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 5 | Accessible with effort. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 6 | Moderate attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 6 | Results stable or falling slightly. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 5 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: the results snapshot table; OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education)
Sweden · 5/14 · score 5.72 · Substance without form
Reading 487 and science 494, above the OECD average; the 2022 fall wiped out much of the progress made between 2012 and 2018.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 3 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 482 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 487 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in science. Data: science: 494 points |
| C4 | Equity | 6 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 6 | An average share of top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 10 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 7 | Very well trained and respected teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 8 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 4 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 6 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: the results snapshot table; OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
New Zealand · 5/14 · score 5.72 · Substance being confirmed
Reading 501 and science 504, above the OECD average, with teaching in English; mathematics (479) fell 15 points from 2018.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 3 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 479 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 501 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 504 points |
| C4 | Equity | 6 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 6 | An average share of top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 8 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 6 | Well-trained teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 9 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 4 | Hard to access for a newly arrived family. |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 7 | Results are rising. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 7 | Low pressure, late selection. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
United Kingdom · 4/14 · score 6.08 · Substance without form
Above the OECD average in all three subjects (489, 494, 500) and teaching in English; large differences between schools and regions.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 489 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 494 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 500 points |
| C4 | Equity | 6 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 8 | Many top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 9 | Very good, free state high schools. |
| C7 | Teachers | 6 | Well-trained teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 6 | Diverse paths, unequally respected. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 9 | Pupils speak foreign languages well. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 8 | Easy to access (for example, teaching in English). |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 6 | Moderate attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 6 | Results stable or falling slightly. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 6 | Moderate pressure. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Australia · 4/14 · score 5.58 · Substance being confirmed
Tenth in science (507), with teaching in English and a system open to immigrant families. Results have been falling for more than a decade, and a large share of pupils attend private schools.
| # | Condition | Score | In plain words |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | 4 | Below the OECD average in mathematics. Data: mathematics: 487 points |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | 5 | Close to the OECD average in reading. Data: reading: 498 points |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | 6 | Close to the OECD average in science. Data: science: 507 points |
| C4 | Equity | 6 | Average equity. |
| C5 | Top performers | 6 | An average share of top performers. |
| C6 | Free public education | 6 | Good public education, with gaps. |
| C7 | Teachers | 6 | Well-trained teachers. |
| C8 | Diverse paths | 7 | High school and apprenticeship, both of quality. |
| C9 | Foreign languages | 3 | Foreign languages poorly learned. |
| C10 | Access for families who move | 9 | Easy to access (for example, teaching in English). |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | 7 | Balanced attention. |
| C12 | Trend | 3 | Results are falling sharply. |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | 8 | Low pressure, late selection. |
| C14 | Risks | — | Cannot be assessed yet (for example, the asset is not publicly traded). |
Sources: OECD, PISA 2022: mean scores by country (annex published by Singapore’s Ministry of Education); OECD, PISA 2022, Volume I: how countries performed
Formulas for the computed conditions
- C1: Mathematics, PISA 2022: score = (the score − 450) / 10 (520 gives 7, 550 or more gives 10).
- C2: Reading, PISA 2022: score = (the score − 450) / 10.
- C3: Science, PISA 2022: score = (the score − 450) / 10.
The data behind the scores
The analysis’s sources
What the analysis shows
Singapore meets the most conditions (10 of 14). The ranking rewards substance: real results and real opportunities, weighed against how hard and how expensive they are to reach, not only fame.
The rankings are indicative and rest on public data as of the snapshot date. The right choice depends on each person’s situation.
How we apply the 14 conditions in this domain
The same algorithm as for crypto, companies and commodities: each condition gets a score from 0 to 10 and is met from 7. The weights are identical in every domain; only what we measure in practice changes.
| # | Condition | What we measure | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Mathematics (PISA) | The mean score of 15-year-olds in mathematics, PISA 2022. | 16% |
| C2 | Reading (PISA) | The mean reading score, PISA 2022. | 6% |
| C3 | Science (PISA) | The mean science score, PISA 2022. | 6% |
| C4 | Equity | How little results depend on family background. | 8% |
| C5 | Top performers | The share of pupils with very good results. | 6% |
| C6 | Free public education | Good state high schools, with no fees. | 8% |
| C7 | Teachers | Teachers’ training, status and pay. | 8% |
| C8 | Diverse paths | Academic high school and quality apprenticeships, both respected. | 4% |
| C9 | Foreign languages | How well pupils learn foreign languages. | 6% |
| C10 | Access for families who move | The language of instruction and ease of entering the system. | 6% |
| C11 | Media (non-linear) | Balanced attention; famous “models” can be overrated. | 6% |
| C12 | Trend | Results rising or falling compared with earlier tests. | 6% |
| C13 | Crowding (inverse) | Early selection and pressure on pupils. | 6% |
| C14 | Risks | Teacher shortages, inequalities, sudden reforms. | 8% |
Questions about the reasoning
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Sources
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