Peru education experts warn of declining student learning levels

At the CADE Educación 2026 forum, specialists highlighted a concerning decline in learning achievement among Peruvian students as they progress through the school system. Data from the ENLA 2025 indicates that the proportion of students reaching satisfactory levels in reading and mathematics decreases significantly from primary to secondary school.

In reading, satisfactory levels drop from 29% in 4th grade of primary school to just 8% by 5th grade of secondary school. Mathematics scores show a similar trend, falling from 28% to 8% over the same period. Susana Díaz, representing ADECOPA and IPAE Acción Empresarial, noted that students in public schools are nearly three times less likely to reach expected levels compared to those in private institutions.

Experts emphasized the need for evidence-based policies and improved teacher support. Nora Delgado, a regional educational policy manager, noted that effective leadership and monitoring can drive improvements even in challenging territorial contexts, citing successful examples in Ucayali.