Research and analysis

Adult numeracy randomised controlled trials

Research findings from a programme of randomised controlled trials delivered to improve adult numeracy, funded by the Multiply programme.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 28 May 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Programme report: adult numeracy randomised controlled trials

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-791-0, RR1628/1

PDF, 3.49 MB, 199 pages

Encouraging progression: adult numeracy randomised controlled trial

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-799-6, RR1628/3

PDF, 1.59 MB, 116 pages

Family numeracy: adult numeracy randomised controlled trial

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-793-4, RR1628/2

PDF, 1.83 MB, 317 pages

Adapted mastery approach: adult numeracy randomised controlled trial

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-795-8, RR1628/7

PDF, 1.52 MB, 164 pages

Contextualised approach: adult numeracy randomised controlled trial

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-796-5, RR1628/6

PDF, 1.69 MB, 183 pages

Preparation for Maths GCSE: adult numeracy randomised controlled trial

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-792-7, RR1628/5

PDF, 1.47 MB, 192 pages

Embedding maths in health and social care: adult numeracy randomised controlled trial

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-794-1 , RR1628/4

PDF, 1010 KB, 104 pages

All trials: data tables

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 97.3 KB

Family numeracy: data tables

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 386 KB

Adapted mastery approach: data tables

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 445 KB

Contextualised approach: data tables

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 446 KB

Preparation for Maths GCSE: data tables

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 268 KB

Details

Findings from 6 adult numeracy randomised controlled trials (RCTs) delivered as part of the Multiply programme.

Multiply was an adult numeracy programme funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which ran from April 2022 until March 2025.  Funding for the research element was in place until March 2026.

The RCT outputs include:

• 6 individual trial reports
• a programme-level report
• associated data tables

These provide robust evidence on interventions designed to engage, motivate, and improve adults’ essential maths skills, alongside insights into running trials in adult education.

The Multiply programme evaluation is a separate assessment of its overall performance.

Published 28 May 2026