Today's rankings come ahead of the Programme for International Student Assessement (PISA) results due to be published in December by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Published once every three years, these separate assessments test students in maths, literacy and science.

According to the last PISA results, 22 per cent of 15-year-olds in the UK performed at the lowest level of proficiency in maths, compared to countries such as Korea and Singapore where the percentage of low-performing 15-year-olds was below 10 per cent.

Following the results, the Government established 35 maths hubs across England in an attempt to improve standards by replicating East Asian maths education.

Commenting on the study, Nick Gibb , school standards minister, said: "We want every young person, regardless of background, to leave school having mastered the skills that will help them fulfil their potential. We know maths and science are highly valued by employers and are linked to higher earnings.

"Today’s results show our pupils are more engaged and confident in both subjects compared to some of the top performing countries. Mastering these skills will ensure there is no limit to a pupil’s ambition and will ensure our future workforce has the skills to drive the future productivity and economy for this country.