What Explore Learning Ltd. does

Explore Learning Ltd. is a UK-based private supplementary education provider founded in 2000, delivering individualised maths and English tuition to children aged 4–16 through an omnichannel model of 95 physical tuition centres and a nationwide live online platform. The company reports serving 43,000 children in the most recent year and over 450,000 families cumulatively over its 25-year operating history, with measurable outcome claims including 21 months of academic progress per membership year, a 90% SATs pass rate versus the 74% national average, and GCSE maths outcomes averaging one grade above prediction.

The core technical asset is Compass, a proprietary adaptive learning tool that personalises curriculum pathways for each child and provides instant feedback; Compass underpins both centre-based and online delivery and is paired with a gamification layer (Fearless Learning Points and Character Studio). Tutor quality is treated as a strategic asset: all tutors are direct employees (not contractors), DBS-checked, and internally trained, including specialist SEND certification. The product portfolio spans core Maths & English tuition, phonics, SATs, 11+/entrance exams, GCSE and National 5 maths, plus specialist SEND and home-education programmes.

The business model is a recurring monthly subscription sold direct-to-consumer to parents, with published monthly pricing ranging from approximately £124 (group, 1×/week) to £270 (most popular 1:1 tier). Customer acquisition runs through a free trial funnel supported by content marketing, local SEO for centre-based search, social media across Facebook/Instagram/X/LinkedIn/YouTube/TikTok, and a £25 referral programme. Leadership includes CEO Lisa Haycox, founder Bill Mills (also listed as CEO), and Chief Customer Officer Alexandra Cambier; the company has been private since a 2013 growth-capital round from Investec (£15.1M reported) and currently shows no public parent company or institutional investor beyond that.

Name

Explore Learning Ltd.

Legal name

Explore Learning Ltd.

Website

https://explorelearning.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Explore Learning Ltd. is a UK private tutoring provider delivering individualised maths and English tuition to children aged 4–16 across 95 centres and an online platform, supported by its proprietary adaptive Compass learning tool and direct-to-consumer monthly memberships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Tutoring Services

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Virtual Tutoring & Academic Intervention (K–12) (EDAJADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Integrated Tutoring + Learning Content Platforms (Curriculum + Tutors) (EDANAGAL), Core Digital Curriculum & Courseware (Full Programs & Units) (EDAFACAA), Homework Tutoring & Academic Support (Subject Tutoring) (HSAAAHAC)

Keywords

• Children tutoring services
• Maths English tuition
• Adaptive learning platform
• Exam preparation services
• Special educational needs

Headquarters

HQ city

Guildford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Memberships: Monthly subscription memberships for maths and English tuition delivered either in-centre or online. Pricing varies by session frequency (1-2 sessions per week) and format (group vs 1:1). Memberships include unlimited practice materials, progress reports, and access to Compass learning tool.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Explore Learning Ltd. delivers personalised maths and English tuition for children aged 4–16, delivered both at 95 UK tuition centres and via a live online platform. The service is powered by a proprietary adaptive learning tool called Compass, which adjusts content to each child's pace and learning gaps, and is delivered by directly employed, DBS-checked tutors. Specialist programmes cover SATs, 11+ and entrance exams, GCSE maths, National 5 maths, phonics, SEND tuition, and home-education support.

Product overview

Explore Learning operates as a unified tutoring platform combining its proprietary Compass adaptive learning technology with expert human tutors. The core offering spans Maths and English Tuition for ages 4-16, complemented by specialist exam preparation programmes (SATs, 11+, GCSE Maths, National 5). Delivery occurs through two channels: Online Tuition via live video sessions and In-Centre Tuition at 95 UK locations. The Compass smart learning tool powers personalisation across all programmes, adapting content to each child's individual needs. Additional specialist services include SEN Tuition, Home Education Tuition, and the Big Dream Programme charitable outreach.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Compass: Explore Learning's award-winning smart learning tool that adapts to each child's learning needs and pace.
• Fearless Learning

Products and services

• Maths and English Tuition Core tutoring service providing individualised maths and English tuition for children aged 4-16 across Key Stages 1-3 (England) and P1 to S3 (Scotland), delivered at 95 UK tuition centres or online with the support of the Compass adaptive learning tool.
• GCSE Maths Tuition

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of members passed their GCSE maths exams
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sparkle SheffieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutism charity partnership with Explore Learning's Sheffield Hillsborough centre. Staff received Sparkle Sheffield autism awareness training. Centre delivers themed English and maths lessons for autistic children during half terms and summer holidays. This partnership led to a nomination for the Sparkle Sheffield Business Awards for Excellence in Autism Awareness and Customer Service.
• Support DogsminorOthersCharity providing assistance dogs for children with autism. Explore Learning member Sam was matched with Willow, a support dog trained specifically to help with lap rests, nudges, and visiting places. Partnership supports families navigating autism challenges.
• Ryegate Centre (Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust)minorOthersNHS facility that provided autism diagnosis for Explore Learning member Sam. Connection through family engagement with Explore Learning's support services.
• Schools and Community PartnersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchools Workshops programme where Explore Learning provides educational support and resources to schools. Free resources and curriculum-aligned content available to school partners.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kumon (UK): Kumon operates a similar in-centre, worksheet-based maths and English programme for children across the UK. Closest direct competitor to Explore Learning's centre-based recurring membership model, though Kumon relies on parent-led study rather than employed tutors.
• Kip McGrath Education Centres: Kip McGrath runs UK franchise tutoring centres offering maths, English and exam preparation for school-age children. Competes head-to-head with Explore Learning on the centre-based, in-person tutoring proposition.
• Mathnasium: Mathnasium operates maths-only learning centres using a proprietary method and trained instructors. Competes with Explore Learning's maths tuition centres and similar recurring membership model.
• Third Space Learning: UK-based online maths tutoring specialist focused on KS2, SATs, 11+ and GCSE. Competes with Explore Learning's online channel and exam-prep offerings with a more asset-light delivery model.
• Tutorful: UK online tutor marketplace connecting parents with vetted tutors across subjects and levels. Direct competitor for parents choosing one-to-one online tutoring over centre-based provision.
• MyTutor: UK online tutoring platform with strong school partnerships, offering 1:1 tutoring for GCSE, A-level and 11+. Competes directly with Explore Learning's online tuition, particularly for secondary-age exam prep.
• Fleet Education Services: UK provider of tutoring services to schools, local authorities and families. Overlaps with Explore Learning on tutoring delivery, though Fleet has a stronger institutional/school contracts mix.

Regional players

• Explore Learning (US/Canada): US/Canada-based EdTech company offering adaptive science and maths simulations for K–12 classrooms. Shares the Explore Learning brand and an adaptive-learning ethos but operates in a different geography and serves schools rather than individual consumers — relevant peer for technology/category alignment only.

Broad incumbents

• Pearson (Edexcel): Global education incumbent and owner of Edexcel, one of the GCSE exam boards Explore Learning prepares students for. Relevant as a broader education services incumbent and indirect competitive force shaping the assessment landscape.

Emerging players

• Khan Academy: Free, global adaptive learning platform with growing AI tutoring capabilities (Khanmigo). Increasingly competes for the same parent persona as a low-cost, scalable alternative to paid centre-based tutoring.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/exploretutors
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/explorelearninguk
• Facebookfacebook.com/explorelearning
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/explore-learning
• Instagraminstagram.com/explorelearning_official
• TikToktiktok.com/@explorelearninguk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Explore Learning Ltd.