Left behind – more than 90% of poor kids struggling in maths and writing by Year 3

PremiumDerek ChengSenior Writer·NZ Herald·25 Jun, 2026 05:00 PM12 mins to read‌Aucklander Charlotte Lay explains why the new methods of teaching reading, writing and maths will be good for her 6-year-old daughter Margot. Video / Alex BurtonAlmost all socio-economically disadvantaged children fell behind in maths last year by Year 3, with 95% below curriculum level and 70% more than a year behind.

The proportion for this cohort of disadvantaged kids was almost as high for writing: 91% were already below curriculum level in Year 3, with