How We Evaluated These Platforms
We assessed each platform on five criteria: curriculum alignment (GCSE/IGCSE/A-Level coverage), adaptive learning capability, quality of explanations, value for money, and evidence of impact on grades. We focused on platforms accessible to UK students and aligned with UK exam boards.
Free Platforms Worth Using
Several free platforms offer genuine value for maths learners in the UK.
- Dr Frost Maths: Arguably the best free maths resource in the UK. Thousands of exam-style questions with full solutions, organised by GCSE and A-Level topic. Used by many schools as a teaching resource.
- Corbett Maths: Excellent video explanations and practice questions. The 5-a-day challenges are a simple but effective daily practice routine. Free textbook exercises cover the full GCSE syllabus.
- Khan Academy: Comprehensive coverage from primary through to university-level maths. Adaptive practice and clear video explanations, though not specifically aligned to UK exam boards.
- Desmos: The best free graphing tool available. Interactive activities help students visualise algebraic and geometric concepts that are difficult to grasp from textbooks alone.
Paid Platforms That Deliver Results
Paid platforms typically offer more personalisation and structured learning paths.
- Hegarty Maths: The gold standard for UK secondary schools. Diagnostic assessments identify gaps, and the platform assigns targeted practice. Works best when used alongside teacher or tutor guidance.
- Sparx Maths: Intelligent homework system that adapts to each student. Strong evidence base showing improved GCSE outcomes. Primarily accessed through schools.
- MyMaths: Established platform used widely in UK schools. Solid for practice and consolidation, though the interface feels dated compared to newer options.
What Platforms Cannot Do
Every platform on this list is a tool, not a teacher. They deliver content and practice, but they cannot diagnose the root cause of a misconception, adapt their explanation style to match how your child thinks, or provide the accountability and motivation that comes from working with a real person. The students who get the most from these platforms are the ones who also have a tutor or teacher guiding their learning, using diagnostic data to focus on what matters most.