The latest results from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 reveal a stark divide in global education performance, and Colombia finds itself far from the top.
PISA is an international exam administered every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to 15-year-old students worldwide. It measures skills in reading, mathematics, and science, offering a snapshot of how different education systems are preparing young people for real-world challenges.
According to the newest data, Singapore once again claimed one of the top spots, alongside a Chinese testing region known as B-S-J-Z—which combines results from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang—and the special administrative region of Macao. These East Asian systems have long been recognized for their rigorous, high-performing education models.
Colombia, however, landed much closer to the bottom of the international rankings than to the leading nations. The country’s scores reflect a troubling pattern: both reading and mathematics results declined compared to previous assessment cycles, raising fresh concerns about the overall quality and direction of Colombian education.
These findings arrive at a moment when policymakers, educators, and families are increasingly scrutinizing how well schools are preparing students for the future. The gap between Colombia and the world’s top performers underscores the scale of the challenge ahead.
To see the full breakdown of country rankings and what they reveal about Colombia’s education system, read the original report at El Tiempo.
Source: Países con mejor y peor desempeño en las pruebas Pisa: ¿Cómo está Colombia en comparación con el resto del mundo? (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: ccarlstead, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).