The first results from PISA 2025 (Programme for International Student Assessment) shows that student performance across OECD countries has continued to decline. It reached the lowest average ever recorded in mathematics and reading. 20% of 15-year-old students is now a low performer in science, mathematics and reading (16% in 2022).

This trend is alarming but also presents opportunities for museums and libraries:

• The reading-for-pleasure decline is a direct opportunity for libraries since the drop in reading correlates with less voluntary/enjoyment reading and more screen time.
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• Motivation and curiosity: Engagement drops is tracking reading drops, which suggests schools alone can't rebuild intrinsic motivation. Museums and science centres are arguably better positioned than classrooms to reignite curiosity.
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• For digital problem-solving, museums and libraries, especially science centres, children's museums, and libraries with makerspaces, are natural venues for integrated experiences that connect hands-on digital skills to foundational literacy and science content.
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• Socio-economic background remains a powerful predictor of performance, so free or low-cost offers and outreach into underserved communities remain as necessary as ever.
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• The OECD conclusion that preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world requires more than strong academic proficiency is the traditional strength of experiential, object-based, self-directed learning environments.

It is a good moment for libraries, museums and their associations to insert themselves into the conversation and leverage these elements for a pitch to funders.

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