Maths-Whizz Intelligent Tutoring Programme – trial

Whizz Education
Implementation costThe cost estimates in the Toolkits are based on the average cost of delivering the intervention.
Evidence strengthThis rating provides an overall estimate of the robustness of the evidence, to help support professional decision-making in schools.
Impact (months)The impact measure shows the number of additional months of progress made, on average, by children and young people who received the intervention, compared to similar children and young people who did not.
+1
months
Project info

Independent Evaluator

NFER logo
NFER

Trial to test the impact of Maths-Whizz, a whole class online intelligent tutoring programme and implementation planning programme, that aims to improve maths outcomes.

Schools: 64
Key Stage: 2 Type of Trial: Efficacy level evidence
Completed July 2026

The project

Maths-Whizz is a whole-class online intelligent tutoring programme that aims to improve pupils’ maths outcomes, increase their motivation and make maths learning more enjoyable.

Pupils access the Maths-Whizz platform online. Recommended usage is 45 – 60 minutes each week, which may be divided into more than one session, in addition to pupils’ usual maths lessons.

Two training sessions prepare leadership and teaching staff to facilitate pupil engagement with the Maths-Whizz platform and empower staff to understand and act upon learning data. Schools are supported through development of an implementation plan and termly reviews.

Outcome/​Group
ImpactThe size of the difference between pupils in this trial and other pupils
SecurityHow confident are we in this result?
Maths attainment (all pupils)
+1
Months' progress
(Effect size 0.08)
Maths attainment (FSM pupils)
+2
Months' progress
(Effect size 0.14)

EEF summary

Intelligent tutoring programmes show promise, especially for improving outcomes in mathematics. There has previously been a quasi-experimental design trial of Maths-Whizz on the attainment of pupils in Mexico. The results of that trial suggested that Maths-Whizz had a positive impact on pupil outcomes.

In addition, the Maths-Whizz programme’s support and training offer is aligned with EEF guidance on professional development and implementation.

This Randomised Control Trial took place in 63 English schools.

Pupils allocated to receive Maths-Whizz made one additional month’s progress in maths, on average, compared to pupils who were not allocated to receive the programme. This finding has high security: 4 padlocks on the EEF security rating scale.

This is despite pupils in the trial only accessing Maths-Whizz for an average of 32 minutes per week, rather than the recommended 45 – 60 minutes. It suggests there may be potential for further impact if pupils use Maths-Whizz for longer.

Among children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), those allocated to receive Maths-Whizz made two additional months’ progress in maths, on average, compared to FSM-eligible pupils who were not allocated to receive the programme. This suggests that while all children benefited from Maths-Whizz, FSM pupils benefitted more than non-FSM pupils. These results may have lower security than the overall findings because of the smaller number of pupils.

Pupils who were allocated to receive Maths-Whizz reported a small positive effect on their mathematical self-efficacy and enjoyment of maths compared to pupils who were not allocated to receive the programme. This was supported by teachers’ feedback that intervention pupils ​‘looked forward’ to using Maths-Whizz. Pupils were also broadly positive about the programme and particularly enjoyed the gamified learning on Maths-Whizz.

The EEF is discussing next steps for a potential effectiveness trial for Maths-Whizz.

Were the schools in the trial similar to my school?

Project type: Efficacy level evidenceKey Stage: Key Stage 2Subject: Maths
  • 63 schools were involved in the trial
  • Participation was available to all state-funded primary schools in England

Could I implement this in my school?

Delivered by: Teachers & Teaching AssistantsParticipant group: Whole School Intervention length: 1 year(s)
  • To implement the Maths-Whizz programme, schools require a minimum level of IT provision including tablets, laptops or desktops and sufficient wi-fi capacity.
  • It is recommended that pupils use the Maths-Whizz tutoring platform for 45 – 60 minutes a week, which can be divided in to more than one session, throughout the academic year.
  • Maths-Whizz is commercially available through Whizz Education.

How much will it cost?

Cost per pupil: £22No. of teachers/TAs: VariableStaff training duration: 0.5 days

The average cost of Maths-Whizz for two year groups in a school was around £22 per pupil per year when averaged over 3 years.

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