It has to be said, however, that Pearson's methodology has been criticised.www.localschoolsnetwork.org.uk/2012/11/uk-is-6th-in-international-education-league-but-wasnt-the-uk-supposed-to-be-plummeting-down-the-tables/In PIRLS 2011, the score of English pupils rose and was significantly above 31 other countries including New Zealand, Sweden and Australia.www.localschoolsnetwork.org.uk/2012/12/10-ye