First Sweden was the country to emulate, when former education secretary Michael Gove was enthused by free schools. Then attention turned to Shanghai, and an initiative to improve the standard of maths in primary schools by bringing Chinese teachers to the UK. Now, though, we are taking a leaf out of Russia’s book as ministers seek to improve the supply …

Stoke-on-Trent is trying to radically improve maths standards in its schools, including by helping to pay off the tuition fees of maths teachers who come to work in the city. The maths project is aimed at improving the chances for young people growing up in a city where many traditional industries have declined. Local MP Tristram Hunt is working with …