TJ Hegarty, Founder of Breakthrough Maths. Photo: Carrie Rapp

Jobs adding up

Up to 40 jobs are set to be added to an online maths school which began in a community hall.

Breakthrough Maths is currently teaching 300 students per week and plans to launch in the UK before the end of the year.

It began in September 2020 in a local community hall in Cork with just 24 students and 2 teachers.

Classes moved online a month later and demand increased. Breakthrough Maths now employs 20 experienced tutors.

The grinds school caters for students from 5th class in primary school right through to Leaving Certificate level in secondary school.

The online maths grinds are taught in small groups to keep students engaged, allowing them to ask questions and problem solve together.

Founder TJ Hegarty said: “The digital education market is rapidly increasing and is expected to grow by more than €2 billion in Europe alone by 2025. We’re seeing huge demand in Ireland, our student numbers have tripled in the past year alone and show no signs of slowing. By 2025 we aim to employ more than 60 experienced tutors in total who will be teaching 3,000 students each week. There is a market for growth in other countries too and we will be launching Breakthrough Maths in England in the fourth quarter of this year enrolling 100 students initially.”

He added: “It all comes down to reliability and quality, that’s what parents and students want. Clear communication, punctual lessons and support after the classes are at the heart of what we do. We have small groups of students who are matched by ability. Our online classes are also more sustainable, removing the need to travel to grinds. The average student saved 45 hours in travelling time last year alone.”