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But they will only be taken by pupils in a sample of schools, rather than all schools, and will be used to assess Northern Ireland-wide performance in literacy and numeracy.

"If we're to get numeracy right we have to get the quality of maths teaching right first, because standards in mathematics are too low," she told members of the committee.

However, Multiply - which is aimed at adults wanting to develop their numeracy skills - will end in March.

Others argue that there should be, for example, a minimum bar required for literacy and numeracy.

James is autistic and has complex challenges, including high levels of anxiety and reading and numeracy levels equivalent to under five years of age.