Centre for Statistics and Data Science Education
Advancing data literacy and statistical education for everyone
About the Centre
The Centre for Statistics and Data Science Education (CSDSE) is a new initiative dedicated to transforming how statistics and data science are taught and learned. Hosted by Imperial College London and the Teaching Statistics Trust, the Centre brings together educators, researchers, and industry partners to improve data literacy and develop modern approaches to teaching across all levels of education.
Why it matters
We live in a world driven by data. Yet access to high-quality statistical education and data science skills remains uneven.
- Data is increasingly central to everyday decision-making
- Demand for data science skills continues to grow
- Education systems are struggling to keep pace with technological change
- Statistical literacy is essential for individuals, society, and the economy
The CSDSE exists to address these challenges and help build a more data-literate society.
Partnerships and collaboration
The Centre collaborates with leading organisations to drive innovation in education, including the Royal Statistical Society, the Alan Turing Institute and the Office for National Statistics.
We also work internationally, including collaboration with the American Statistical Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
The Centre is led by Prof Rhys Jones and Dr Ioanna Papatsouma, and is supported by an international steering committee of experts in statistics, data science, and education.
The CSDSE officially launched in July 2026.
Reports and Publications
Recommendations for Effective Statistics Assessment: A Rapid Review of Evidence
This report is a joint publication of the Centre for Statistics and Data Science Education (CSDSE), the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) and the Joint Mathematical Council of the United Kingdom (JMC). It builds on work around data education in the school curriculum from the JMC, the Royal Society and the RSS.
Written by Darren Macey, Deputy Director of the CSDSE, and Dr Lucy Rycroft-Smith, the report explores a range of evidence on how to assess statistical literacy, reasoning and thinking. It also analyses current approaches to assessment across the four nations of the UK and sets out ten recommendations for policymakers.
The full report and its executive summary are available below.
Get involved
We welcome collaboration with educators, researchers, organisations, and industry partners.
Stay up to date with our latest news and activities by signing up to our mailing list.
If you have any questions, please email us at csdse@imperial.ac.uk.