Maths might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but this Number Confidence Week, school children and celebrities proved there is plenty of scope for enjoyment and excitement when it comes to building confidence with numbers!
News
School children across the UK celebrate number confidence with a very special assembly!
7 Nov 2025
To celebrate Number Confidence Week, thousands of school pupils across the country tuned in for a live assembly featuring number fun and celebrity guests.
Schools around the UK this week tuned in for the “Wheel of Numbers” live assembly, hosted by EduTuber and BAFTA award-winning presenter Maddie Moate.
The star of many educational children’s TV shows, Maddie was at the helm of proceedings which got children joining in with the number fun, whatever their level of confidence, showing that numbers really are all around us, whether we realise it or not.
Maddie was joined by financial content creator and National Numeracy ambassador Rotimi Merriman-Johnson – AKA Mr MoneyJar – and Barclays UK CEO, Vim Maru.
Presented in the style of a game show, each time the Wheel of Numbers was spun, school pupils at the assembly, along with pupils tuning in from schools online, took part in a different activity, which showed how we use numbers in all kinds of ways: for shopping, at home, on the football pitch, for hobbies and in jobs.
Broadcast live from Manorfield Primary School in London and organised by Number Confidence Week Headline Supporter, Barclays LifeSkills, the assembly was a fantastic way of showing how we need to consider numbers in everyday life – when baking a birthday cake, deciding on tactics for a football match or budgeting while shopping.
Maddie Moate, EduTuber and BAFTA award-winning presenter, said:
“It is absolutely fine if you don’t know the answer or you feel at all unsure about how to work it out. This is all about trying and having a go. We all have different levels of confidence when it comes to numbers and today really is about having fun and building that confidence.”
Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, financial content creator and National Numeracy ambassador, said:
“Numbers are all around us and I loved maths when I was at school. As a financial educator and content creator I use them all the time whether that be planning out my day, going grocery shopping or deciding when and where to post.”
Vim Maru, Barclays UK CEO, said:
“Building confidence with numbers and money is vital for empowering children to make sound financial choices later in life. It was fantastic to join this assembly and help children learn about numbers and money in such a fun and engaging way.”
Why do we need Number Confidence Week?
Around half of working-age adults in the country are estimated to have the numeracy level expected of a primary school child and low numeracy costs the UK an estimated £25 billion per year, yet maths ability is not fixed and a lack of confidence can hold people back from life opportunities.
Feeling good with numbers can make a real difference in how we manage our money. From budgeting and saving, to understanding bills and making informed choices, everyday maths skills help us take control of our finances.
What else is happening for Number Confidence Week?
The Wheel of Numbers live assembly is just one of several exciting Number Confidence Week events, with plenty of other free activities and resources available too.
There are tips and advice from celebrity ambassadors including Bobby Seagull, Iona Bain, Denise Welch, Rachel Riley and psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos as well as real-life stories to inspire people to take the first step towards improving their number confidence.
National Numeracy’s mission is to empower children and adults in the UK to feel confident with everyday maths so they can fulfil their potential at work, home and school. Our website offers free and fun activities, events and resources for adults and children and a quick way to check and improve numeracy via the National Numeracy Challenge.
**ENDS**
For media enquiries, please contact:
Cass Lawrence, Head of Communications, National Numeracy
Email: Cass.lawrence@nationalnumeracy.org.uk
Mob: 07852 117 650
Notes to editors:
Number Confidence Week from 3rd – 7th November 2025 is the UK’s only campaign dedicated to number confidence. It aims to inspire and empower people to build number confidence, leading to stronger numeracy skills that unlock new opportunities. The campaign is run by independent charity National Numeracy with 2025 headline supporter Barclays LifeSkills and lead supporters Compare the Market, Capital One, Experian, EY, TP ICAP and Vanquis.
The National Numeracy Challenge is a free, easy-to-use online tool designed to help adults build confidence and practical maths skills for everyday life and work.
About National Numeracy: National Numeracy is a charity dedicated to helping people feel confident with numbers and using everyday maths. We empower people to thrive by using numeracy to open up opportunities and access brighter futures, targeting communities where the need is greatest.
National Numeracy is a registered company (company no: 7886294) and charity (charity no: 1145669). Visit: www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk
