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Johnny Ball launches NSPCC's Number Day 2027 at London’s MathsWorld
Children's TV legend and maths enthusiast, Johnny Ball, joined other well-known faces at MathsWorld in London to officially launch NSPCC's Number Day 2027 and encourage schools and nurseries across the UK to sign up.
Held at the interactive maths attraction on London's South Bank, the launch saw Ambassadors, including Great British Bake-Off finalist, Dr Josh Smalley, and financial expert, Emmanuel Asuquo, join colleagues from GoHenry and Promote Your School, as well as children from Grange Primary School in Southwark.
Numbers Day, which takes place on Friday 5 February 2027, gives schools and nurseries the opportunity to explore the exciting side of maths through creative activities and games while raising vital funds for the NSPCC.
Johnny Ball captivated the room with an engaging presentation on the Golden Ratio, demonstrating to fascinated primary school children how mathematical patterns appear throughout nature, from plants to fruit and beyond.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel led an interactive discussion on the importance of learning maths at school and developing a positive mindset towards the subject.
During the session, he shared a light-hearted exchange with one pupil who cheekily asked why maths was so important. Emmanuel jokingly replied that understanding numbers was useful if you wanted to earn the money needed to "wear the cool glasses you're wearing", prompting laughter from the room.
Johnny Ball, TV legend, maths enthusiast and proud supporter of NSPCC Number Day, said: “It has been wonderful to celebrate the launch of Number Day 2027 alongside so many passionate supporters, partners and young people who are helping to champion maths in such a positive way.
"One of the great things about Number Day is that it encourages children to see maths not as something to be feared, but as something fascinating, creative and full of possibilities. Whether it's solving puzzles, exploring patterns or simply dressing up and having fun, children discover that number are all around them.
"I'm delighted to support the NSPCC once again and would encourage every school and nursery to get involved in the charity’s Number Day next February."
At MathsWorld, guests heard from Number Day Ambassadors and partners including GoHenry and Promote Your School, who highlighted the importance of helping children build confidence with numbers while making maths fun, engaging and accessible.
Children can once again take part in the popular Dress up for Digits activity, where they come to school dressed in number-themed costumes inspired by everything from calculators and dice to times tables and mathematical symbols.
Registrations for Number Day 2027 are now open, with schools receiving access to a dedicated online resource hub packed with activities, lesson ideas and fundraising materials to help make their event a success.
Since launching in 2000, Number Day participants have raised more than £4.5 million to help the NSPCC protect children and prevent abuse and neglect.
Stephanie Coleman, Senior Fundraiser at the NSPCC and Number Day lead, said: "Today's launch was a fantastic way to celebrate the remarkable journey of Number Day as we prepare for its 27th year. We are incredibly grateful to our ambassadors, partners, volunteers and supporters whose enthusiasm and commitment help make Number Day such a success year after year.
"By taking part, schools and nurseries can inspire a love of maths, bring learning to life for children and raise vital funds that help the NSPCC continue its fight for every childhood.
"We hope even more schools and early years settings will join us for Number Day 2027 and help make this milestone year our biggest and most impactful yet."
Schools and nurseries can register now to receive free Number Day resources and begin planning their activities ahead of Number Day 2027.