Why Reading and Maths Count Most for Lifelong Success

When we think about education, English often comes to mind as a core subject. And of course, it is important. But here’s the truth: without strong reading and maths skills, children will struggle not only in English, but across every subject they encounter.

That’s why at Mindset Counts, we believe reading and maths are the true foundations of learning. They give children the tools to understand, apply, and succeed in every area of life.

Why Reading Comes First

Reading is the gateway to knowledge. Without it, children can’t fully access science, history, or even maths word problems. Research from the OECD (2019) shows that reading proficiency at age 15 is a stronger predictor of future success than socio-economic background.

Put simply:

• You can’t succeed in English without being able to read. Once decoding and comprehension are secure, writing and analysing texts come much more naturally.

• Reading fuels vocabulary, imagination, and critical thinking — the building blocks for communication in every subject.

  
  

Strong reading skills = access to every other learning opportunity.

Why Maths Unlocks Problem-Solving

Maths is more than numbers — it’s a way of thinking. It builds logic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills that transfer to everyday life.

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF, 2020) found that children with strong maths skills are more likely to succeed academically across the curriculum.

Why? Because maths teaches:

• Logical thinking – breaking down big problems into smaller, manageable steps.

• Resilience – persisting when the answer isn’t obvious.

• Transferable problem-solving – the ability to take knowledge from one area and apply it to new, unfamiliar situations.

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These are the same skills children need to structure essays, analyse texts, and solve real-world challenges.

Why Not Just English?

Of course, English is important. But English depends on reading fluency. Without it, children struggle to understand texts, extract meaning, or develop their writing.

And here’s the connection:

• Reading gives access to English.

• Maths builds the problem-solving mindset that strengthens English skills.

  
  

When children are confident in both reading and maths, English begins to flourish naturally.

The Bigger Picture

By focusing on reading and maths, we’re not narrowing education — we’re widening it. These skills open doors:

• Reading lets children access knowledge.

• Maths gives them the tools to use knowledge effectively.

  
  

Together, they create a strong foundation for confidence, independence, and lifelong learning.

Final Thoughts

If we want our children to thrive, we need to give them the skills that matter most. Reading unlocks understanding. Maths unlocks problem-solving.

When children master these, success in English — and every other subject — naturally follows.

That’s why at Mindset Counts, we place reading and maths at the heart of everything we do. Because when the foundations are strong, the future possibilities are limitless.

✨ Want to support your child further?

• Explore our Reading Skills Course for KS2 children and build confident, independent readers.

• Join the waiting list for our upcoming Maths Mastery Pathway to help your child strengthen problem-solving and logical thinking.

• Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on mindset, metacognition, and learning strategies.

  
  

References

• OECD. (2019). PISA 2018 Results: What Students Know and Can Do. Paris: OECD Publishing.

• Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). (2020). Improving Mathematics in Key Stages 2 and 3 Guidance Report.