# Global PISA results show widespread decline in performance > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-pisa-student-assessment-results > Updated: 2026-09-11T09:30:00.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 8. The 2025 PISA results confirm a global decline in student performance, particularly in reading and mathematics. While Asian regions like Singapore and Chinese territories continue to lead, many OECD nations face significant setbacks. In Europe, Germany has reached historical lows in mathematics, reading, and science, with educational success showing a correlation to socioeconomic status stronger than the OECD average. German education unions, such as GEW, have criticized proposed federal budget cuts, arguing that reduced funding threatens the country’s future. In Spain, student performance in all three core areas has fallen below the OECD average, while the school system in South Tyrol reported results significantly above the average. Finland is also experiencing a decline, particularly in literacy skills. Experts attribute this to the impact of digital devices on concentration, language proficiency challenges among immigrant students, and difficulties with the inclusion model. In response, there are calls for increased resources and a return to printed learning materials to improve focus. Sweden is facing an education crisis, with approximately 31 percent of 15-year-olds failing to reach basic levels of reading comprehension—a loss of 21 points since 2022. Critics suggest the system prioritizes passing grades over actual knowledge retention, leaving high schools to address foundational gaps. Technological influence remains a central concern. Data shows a correlation between frequent AI usage and lower academic performance; students using AI chatbots daily for homework scored an average of 481 points in science, compared to 509 points for those who use them rarely. OECD Director Andreas Schleicher warned that using AI as a shortcut rather than a tool for deeper thinking could undermine learning. ## Claims - Students using AI chatbots daily for homework scored an average of 481 points in science, compared to 509 points for rare or non-users. (corroborated by 4 sources) - German students achieved 486 points in science, 465 in reading, and 464 in mathematics. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Family background is the most significant factor determining educational success in Germany. (corroborated by 2 sources) - OECD Director Andreas Schleicher warned that using AI as a convenient way to get ready-made answers undermines learning. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The OECD average for mathematics scores fell by 9 points and reading scores fell by 14 points compared to 2022. (single source) - Spanish students scored below the OECD average in mathematics, reading, and science. (single source) - The school system in South Tyrol achieved results statistically significantly above the OECD average in all three areas. (single source) - GEW head Maike Finnern criticized proposed budget cuts to education, stating they threaten the country's future and democracy. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Sweden faces education crisis as PISA reading scores decline Sweden's PISA 2025 results show a decline in education, with 31 percent of 15-year-olds failing to reach basic reading comprehension levels. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sweden-faces-education-crisis-as-pisa-reading-scores-decline ### 2026-09-11: Finland faces declining PISA scores and educational challenges Finland faces a continuing decline in PISA learning outcomes, prompting debates over digital device usage, language support for immigrant students, and the necessity of increasing printed learning materials. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/finland-faces-declining-pisa-scores-and-educational-challenges ### 2026-09-10: PISA study reveals declining student performance and rising inequality The latest PISA study shows declining educational performance in Germany and Spain, highlighting a strong link between socioeconomic status and success, and a correlation between daily AI use and lower scores. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-reports-historic-low-in-pisa-student-assessment-results ### 2026-09-10: PISA results show educational gaps in Chile and Colombia PISA results show Chile and Colombia performing below OECD averages, with notable declines in reading and mathematics scores impacting long-term educational and social prospects. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pisa-results-show-educational-gaps-in-chile-and-colombia ### 2026-09-09: Poland ranks second in EU for mathematics in PISA study The 2025 PISA study shows Polish students rank second in the EU for mathematics, third in reading comprehension, and fifth in science. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-ranks-second-in-eu-for-mathematics-in-pisa-study ### 2026-09-08: Lithuanian students outperform OECD average in PISA assessment Lithuanian 15-year-olds have outperformed the OECD average in mathematics, reading, science, and problem-solving for the first time since 2006, according to the latest PISA study results. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuanian-students-outperform-oecd-average-in-pisa-assessment ### 2026-09-08: UK students show steady PISA rankings amid regional performance gaps UK students show steady PISA rankings in science, reading, and maths, though England outperforms Wales, which saw the steepest decline in reading and maths scores among the UK nations. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-students-show-steady-pisa-rankings-amid-regional-performance-gaps ### 2026-09-08: Danish students reach record low PISA academic levels Danish students have hit record-low PISA scores in reading, math, and science. Educators call for more classroom staff and increased funding to address the decline in academic performance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danish-students-reach-record-low-pisa-academic-levels --- Cite as: Global PISA results show widespread decline in performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-pisa-student-assessment-results