Rethink Maths launches Groundwork Maths and welcomes Sophie Lord as Impact Lead

As Rethink Maths officially launches Groundwork Maths, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Sophie Lord as our new Impact Lead.

Groundwork Maths is a new intervention programme designed to help pupils who have fallen behind in mathematics rebuild the essential foundations they need for long-term success. Combining carefully sequenced teaching, high-quality resources and practical classroom support, the programme aims to give schools an effective, evidence-informed approach to intervention that develops both understanding and confidence.

Recognising that even the best programmes rely on excellent implementation, Sophie will play a central role in ensuring that schools are fully supported throughout their Groundwork Maths journey.

In her role as Impact Lead, Sophie will work closely with partner schools from initial onboarding through to successful implementation. She will provide training and support, model effective practice and help schools embed the programme with confidence. Alongside this, she will gather feedback, monitor impact and work with the Rethink Maths team to ensure Groundwork Maths continues to evolve in response to the needs of schools.

Sophie joins Rethink Maths with extensive experience supporting schools and building long-term educational partnerships. A trained teacher, she has taught in schools in both the UK and Spain. Most recently, she was School Relationship Lead at Axiom Maths, where she worked closely with schools to build strong relationships, support programme implementation and help ensure they achieved the greatest possible impact for their pupils. Her classroom experience, combined with her expertise in working alongside school leaders and teachers, makes her ideally placed to support the successful implementation of Groundwork Maths across our partner schools.

Speaking about her appointment, Sophie said:

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Rethink Maths at such an important stage in the organisation’s journey. Groundwork Maths has the potential to make a genuine difference for pupils who need additional support, and I’m passionate about working alongside schools to help ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in mathematics. I can’t wait to start working with teachers and leaders across the country.”

Tony Staneff, Co-founder and Director of Impact and Innovation at Rethink Maths, said:

“Groundwork Maths has been developed with one clear ambition: to transform outcomes for pupils who need the greatest support in mathematics. We know that outstanding implementation is just as important as outstanding resources, which is why appointing an Impact Lead was such a significant step for us.

Sophie’s experience, warmth and ability to build trusted relationships with schools make her the ideal person to lead this work. Having worked alongside Sophie previously, I’ve seen first-hand the difference she makes to schools, and I’m absolutely delighted that she has joined the Rethink Maths team.”

The launch of Groundwork Maths marks another exciting milestone for Rethink Maths as the organisation continues its mission of changing the way the world sees and learns maths.

Schools interested in learning more about Groundwork Maths, or finding out how the programme could support their pupils, are invited to register for one of our upcoming launch webinars or get in touch with the team.

Groundwork Maths Launch Event – 7th July 3:45pm

Groundwork Maths Launch Event – 8th July 3:45pm

Big news from Rethink Maths – two brilliant leaders are joining our team

We’re absolutely delighted to share that two incredible educators are joining Rethink Maths as we continue shaping what comes next for maths education.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kate Henshall as our Education Director. Kate will lead our education strategy and our work with schools and teachers. She brings a huge amount of experience across maths education and curriculum development, and anyone who has worked with her knows she’s an absolute superstar. Kate will help ensure everything we create genuinely supports teachers and makes a real difference in classrooms.

We’re equally excited to welcome Kat Martin as our Director of Foundations. Kat will lead our core Foundations mission – our commitment to giving every child, wherever they are in the world, the strongest possible start in maths. She brings deep expertise in early maths, school leadership, and system improvement in an international development setting. Kat is another A-player who shares our belief that strong foundations change everything.

These appointments come at the perfect moment for us. We’re busy building, exploring, prototyping, and shaping what Rethink Maths will become. Having Kate and Kat on board, together with the brilliant Mary-Kate, will elevate everything we’re doing to the next level.

As part of this next stage, we’re also confirming our co-founder roles as the company grows.

Caroline Hamilton will step into the role of CEO, shaping our strategic priorities, building trusted partnerships across the education sector, and empowering our team to deliver excellence at scale. Her leadership will help us stay true to our mission while positioning the company for sustainable growth and continued innovation.

Tony Staneff will become Impact and Innovation Director, focusing on research-informed curriculum design, product innovation, and leading the creative development of new ideas and resources.

We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead, especially as we begin working with like-minded schools and teachers who want to rethink what maths education could look like.

Caroline said:
“We feel really fortunate to have Kate and Kat joining us. They’re maths experts and brilliant teachers at heart. We’re building something special and bringing in leaders who share our values and vision makes all the difference.”

We’ll be sharing more over the coming months as our programmes, partnerships, and wider vision continue to take shape.

We’ve joined BESA!

We’re really excited to share that Rethink Maths has joined BESA (the British Educational Suppliers Association) as Launchpad members.

This feels a bit like coming home for us. We know the BESA team well and have huge respect for the work they do to support schools and the wider education sector. It’s a privilege to be working with them again, especially under the brilliant leadership of Caroline Wright and Julia Garvey.

For us, joining BESA is about reconnecting with people we trust, admire and enjoy working with. We’re looking forward to learning from the network, contributing to the conversation and sharing our journey as we continue to rethink what maths education can be.

We hope to see many of you at the Winter Business Insight Day.

👉 If you’re a fellow BESA member, do say hello — we’d love to connect!

Mary-Kate Connolly joins Rethink Maths as Managing Director

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Mary-Kate Connolly is joining Rethink Maths as our new Managing Director!

Mary-Kate brings a wealth of experience in education, leadership, and curriculum development and more importantly, she brings the kind of deep-rooted passion for mathematics that aligns perfectly with everything we stand for.

Mary-Kate is a true believer that maths is for everyone.  She has spent her career to date championing inclusive, impactful teaching and helping teachers support children in making sense of maths, building confidence, understanding, and enjoyment every step of the way.

In her role as Managing Director, Mary-Kate will be overseeing the day-to-day running of Rethink Maths and playing a key role in driving forward our work across the five missions we care deeply about – from building solid foundations and growing confidence, to making maths more inclusive, real-world focused, and joyful to teach.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Mary-Kate take on this role. Her energy, empathy, and sharp strategic thinking will help bring to life everything Rethink Maths is setting out to achieve.”

Tony Staneff, Co-Founder, Rethink Maths

“Mary-Kate is highly intelligent and has the rare ability to quickly grasp and master new challenges. In an innovative start-up like Rethink Maths, this adaptability is invaluable. We’re lucky to have her as part of the founding team.”

Caroline Hamilton, Co-Founder, Rethink Maths

We can’t wait for what comes next.

Welcome, Mary-Kate, it’s a joy to have you on board.