Despite a slight increase in passes for the Grade Four Numeracy Test this year, Education Minister Ronald Thwaites has warned that the country will have a challenge reaching the 85 per cent target by 2015.

The numeracy rate has increased to 53 per cent in public schools, compared to 46 per cent last year. At the same time the overall figures for all schools moved from 49.2 per cent to 54.3 per cent this year.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Minister Thwaites said additional specialists will be recruited to ensure an improvement in the area.