His methods and courage will likely inspire the next wave of regulators as they seek to make up for lost time using mathematics and good old-fashioned skepticism.
Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said all teachers needed strong literacy skills and a good grasp of mathematics.
While arguing that the system of vocational qualifications was "complex and opaque", Professor Wolf said that in practice "good levels of English and mathematics continue to be the most generally useful and valuable vocational skills on offer".
Lands' End also provides a good example of how technological development and increasingly clever mathematics are bringing new services to the internet.
The talents of society needed to be mobilised for the good of society and not only in the sciences and in mathematics but also with regard to economic growth and new ideas.
The authors say that rather than making the qualification compulsory the challenge is to provide a "clear and attractive alternative" for students who achieve good grades in GCSE maths but do not currently go on to study AS or A-level mathematics.