Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
The indicator is part of the EU Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards SDG 4 on quality education, which is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under 'A new plan for Europe's sustainable prosperity and competitiveness’, ‘Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model’ and ‘Protecting our democracy, upholding our values’.
SDG 4 seeks to ensure people have access to equitable and quality education through all stages of life, from early childhood education and care, through primary and secondary schooling, to technical, vocational training and tertiary education.
The Council of the European Union on 26 February 2021 adopted the Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021–2030), a framework that addresses five strategic priorities: (1) Improving quality, equity, inclusion and success for all in education and training; (2) Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality for all; (3) Enhancing competences and motivation in the education profession; (4) Reinforcing European higher education; and (5) Supporting green and digital transitions in and through education and training.
The Council Resolution sets the EU target for the share of low-achieving 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science as measured by this SDG indicator to be less than 15% by 2030.
4.1. Data description
The indicator measures the share of 15-year-old students failing to reach level 2 (‘basic skills level’) on the PISA scale for the three core school subjects of reading, mathematics and science. The data stem from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a regularly conducted international survey which aims to evaluate education systems by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students.
4.2. Unit of measure
% of 15-year-old students
4.3. Reference Period
Calendar year
4.4. Accuracy - overall
Indicator from non-ESS source. For assessment of accuracy please refer to the original source (see link to external data source and metadata in section “Annexes”).
4.5. Source data
4.5.1. Source data - Organisation
OECD (PISA)
4.5.2. Source data - Comment
Data source: Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)
Data provider: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
5.1. Frequency of dissemination
5.1.1. Frequency of dissemination - Grade
Every 3+ years
5.1.2. Frequency of dissemination - Comment
Indicator is updated every 3 or 4 years.
5.2. Timeliness
5.2.1. Timeliness - Grade
> T+2 years
5.2.2. Timeliness - Comment
New data points are disseminated within two years after the reference year.
6.1. Reference area
6.1.1. Reference Area - Grade
> 75% EU MS and EU aggregate
6.1.2. Reference Area - Comment
Data are presented for all EU Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein (until 2012), Norway, Switzerland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Türkiye, Russia (until 2022), the United States, Japan and South Korea. For 2022 results, data for Luxembourg are absent for all three educational areas.
6.2. Comparability - geographical
6.2.1. Comparability - geographical - Grade
All EU MS
6.2.2. Comparability - geographical - Comment
Data are comparable between all EU Member States respectively other presented countries.
6.3. Coverage - Time
6.3.1. Time Coverage - Grade
> 10 years
6.3.2. Time Coverage - Comment
Presented time series start in 2000; EU aggregates are reported since 2006.
6.4. Comparability - over time
6.4.1. Comparability - over time - Grade
> 4 data points
6.4.2. Comparability - over time - Comment
Length of comparable time series without methodological break is more than 4 data points for Science and Mathematics. Length of comparable time series without methodological breaks for Reading is 2 data points.
7.1. Dissemination format - Publications
Analysis of indicator is presented in Eurostat's annual monitoring report on Sustainable development in the EU (progress towards the SDGs in an EU context).
The indicator measures the share of 15-year-old students failing to reach level 2 (‘basic skills level’) on the PISA scale for the three core school subjects of reading, mathematics and science. The data stem from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a regularly conducted international survey which aims to evaluate education systems by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students.
11 March 2025
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Calendar year
Indicator from non-ESS source. For assessment of accuracy please refer to the original source (see link to external data source and metadata in section “Annexes”).
