Maths. Love it or hate it, you can’t escape it. It’s a subject that can prove difficult for GCSE and A Level students. But schools up and down the country are looking for online platforms to improve their teaching.

Enter MathsWatch. A digital learning platform designed to make tackling numbers a bit more manageable (or at least less likely to bring on a confused headache!). But does it live up to the hype?

In this blog, you’ll find our unbiased review of MathsWatch: what it is, how to use it, and whether it’s the tool you need to conquer maths exams. We’ll also explore how it stacks up against other maths revision websites and answer students’ most commonly asked questions – like how to type fractions and access hints.

Here’s MathsWatch unpacked.

What is MathsWatch?

MathsWatch is an online learning platform created to make maths accessible and (dare we say) enjoyable for students from Primary and KS3 through to GCSE and A Level. Think of it like a digital tutor that combines video tutorials, interactive questions, online assessments and instant feedback. It makes maths learning accessible to students anytime, anywhere.

Each topic on MathsWatch comes with its own video explanation (GCSE videos come with a one-minute overview as well as a more in-depth tutorial), breaking down concepts step by step. So it’s perfect if you find your teacher’s explanations too fast-paced or jargon-filled. It’s also packed with interactive exercises that adapt to your progress, helping you iron out mistakes in real-time.

Many of the multi-step questions will ask you to show your working, just like you would in a real exam – helping you develop the problem-solving skills needed for Maths success.

There’s no doubt, Maths can be a difficult subject. But whether you’re tackling Pythagoras’ theorem, differentiation, or just trying to survive your maths homework, MathsWatch will help. Plus, it keeps track of your progress so you (and your teacher) can see exactly where you’re excelling – and where you need more practice.

Is MathsWatch any good?

In short, yes, MathsWatch is a solid choice for learning Maths. It’s praised for its clear, no-nonsense explanations that break down even the trickiest topics. The videos are short, to the point, and avoid any unnecessary filler, so you’re not left sitting through long, drawn-out lessons. This makes it perfect for students who want quick, targeted help without the boredom of hour-long lectures.

That said, like anything, it’s not perfect. MathsWatch can be a bit strict with answer inputs. If you’re prone to the occasional typo or formatting mistake, you might get frustrated by the system’s insistence on exact answers. Still, most students find it a valuable tool for both learning and revision, and it’s widely used by schools to support classroom learning.

Here are the pros and cons.

The pros

• Complete coverage: MathsWatch covers the entire Maths syllabus across multiple exam boards, with content suitable for KS2 all the way up to Core Maths and A Level. So whatever your level, you can always find something to help.
• Instant feedback: One of the things that makes MathsWatch so effective is its instant feedback. After you answer each question, you get immediate results. This lets you learn from your mistakes straight away, rather than letting them pile up.
• Independent learning: If you’re the type of student who likes to learn at your own pace, MathsWatch is ideal. You can go through the videos and practice questions whenever it suits you, making it great for self-guided study.
• Builds confidence: The platform helps you gradually build your maths skills from basic to advanced. As you work through the material, you’ll gain confidence and feel prepared for more difficult topics. This makes MathsWatch great for GCSE and A Level maths retakes.

The cons

• Strict answer system: MathsWatch’s answer system can feel painful at times. Even the smallest mistake, like a misplaced decimal point, can make your answer appear incorrect. It’s easy to get tripped up by formatting issues, so double-check everything before you hit submit. It’s all about the details!
• Lack of problem-solving: While MathsWatch is excellent for practising basic skills and individual concepts, it might not prepare you for the more complex problem-solving questions you’ll face in exams. You won’t find many questions where you have to figure out the best approach before solving them, which is an important skill to practice.
• Supplementary resources: If you want to get the most out of your maths revision, MathsWatch is best used alongside other resources. Sites like Maths Genie and CorbettMaths offer similar features, including free videos and practice questions. Past papers are also excellent for mixed-topic questions.
• Clunky interface: The MathsWatch interface might feel a bit dated compared to some newer platforms, and navigating it can take some getting used to. However, it’s functional and provides access to a comprehensive set of resources, making it worth the effort.

All in all, MathsWatch is a great platform that’s super useful for brushing up on individual topics and getting targeted feedback. But for the best results, it’s worth using it alongside other resources and past papers to ensure you’re fully prepared for exams.

When was MathsWatch created?

MathsWatch, as we know it today, took off in 2016 with the launch of its Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Before that, the company had been around since 2007, originally offering video-based maths lessons on DVDs. As technology evolved, they moved online, setting the stage for today’s VLE.

The 2016 launch was a huge milestone for MathsWatch. In its first year, the platform saw over 33 million questions answered by nearly a million students. During exam time, the site was buzzing with over 6,500 students at once, and more than 100,000 logins a day.

Today, MathsWatch keeps growing, with new features like practice questions, homework, hints, progress tracking and a mobile-friendly design.

How many schools use MathsWatch?

Right now, around 2,000 schools use MathsWatch to support their students’ learning. That’s a whole lot of students logging in, tackling tricky equations – and maybe getting a little frustrated when they forget to format their answers just right! But on a serious note, the sheer number of schools adopting the platform speaks to how effective it is in classrooms across the country.

Here’s a quick look at MathsWatch stats:

• 1.3M+ users
• 100,000+ average daily users
• 15M+ interactive questions attempted each month

With usage like this, it’s clear that MathsWatch is a go-to tool for both students and teachers alike.

Does MathsWatch cost money?

MathsWatch does cost money, but the great news is it’s schools that sign up, not students. This means students can use the platform for free, as subscribing schools provide access as part of their maths curriculum. So if your school has a subscription, you’ll have full access without spending a penny. Hooray!

MathsWatch offers a range of school packages to suit different needs, including IGCSEs as well as “standard” GCSEcontent. To give you an idea of the costs involved, here are their packages and bundles (charged each year).

MathsWatch Packages

• AS-Level (Pure Core): £150 + VAT
• GCSE/IGCSE: £375 + VAT
• KS3 (Years 7-9): £150 + VAT
• Primary (Years 4-6): £100 + VAT

MathsWatch Bundles

• Bundle 1: GCSE + KS3: £450 + VAT
• Bundle 2: AS-Level + GCSE: £450 + VAT
• Bundle 3: AS-Level + GCSE + KS3: £500 + VAT

How do you do homework on MathsWatch?

If you’re already using MathsWatch, you’ll be familiar with how it works. But there are a few issues that crop up, and homework is the most common. Don’t worry, though – MathsWatch is designed to make homework as easy as possible.

Here’s a simple guide to completing homework on Mathswatch:

1. Log In: First, go to MathsWatch and log in with your username and password.
2. Find Your Homework: Once you’re in, head to the “My Work” section. Here, you’ll find all the assignments your teacher has set for you.
3. Start Your Homework: Click on the homework task you want to work on, then click “Begin Homework.”
4. Answer the Questions: For each question, type your answer in the answer box and click “Submit Answer” once you’re done.
5. Finish Up: After completing all the questions, click “Return to Assigned Work” to wrap up.

Need Help? If you’re stuck on a question, don’t forget the helpful MathsWatch videos. These explain how to approach and solve the problems. As well as the automated “instant feedback”, your teacher can also see your answers and provide advice if you’re struggling with any topics.

How do you get hints on MathsWatch?

If you’re feeling stuck on a question, don’t worry. MathsWatch has built-in hints to guide you. While they’re not super obvious (MathsWatch likes to make you think a little), they’ll usually give you just enough to point you in the right direction.

For tougher questions, look for the “Hint” tab (it’s normally green, in the top-right of your screen). Simply hover your mouse over it, and it will reveal a couple of helpful hints to steer you toward the solution. These hints are designed to give you a quick push in the right direction without giving away the full answer.

If hints still don’t do the trick, you can always return to the tutorial video for an in-depth explanation.

How do you write fractions on MathsWatch?

MathsWatch has a specific way of typing fractions. You’ll need to get the formatting exactly right to ensure your answers are marked correctly.

To write fractions:

1. Use the forward slash ( / ) to separate the numerator and denominator (e.g., 1/2 for one-half).
2. Double-check for typos before hitting submit. MathsWatch is known for being unforgiving with formatting!

Still stuck? Look for examples in the tutorial videos, which show how to format your answers. If your answer is marked wrong (but you’re convinced you’ve got everything correct, both in the maths and the formatting!), take a screenshot and show it to your teacher. They’ll either let you know what’s missing, or contact MathsWatch to get the error fixed.

Does MathsWatch work on iPad?

Yes! MathsWatch is fully compatible with iPads and other tablets, as long as your browser is up to date. It’s a responsive website, so you can use it on any internet-connected device: laptops, iPads, smartphones or other tablets.

There’s no app, but the website works smoothly on mobile devices, making it perfect for revising on the go.

Can teachers see MathsWatch answers?

Yes, teachers can see your MathsWatch answers. This means there’s no confusion, no lost papers or accidentally missed deadlines. MathsWatch gives teachers full visibility of your progress, including how many homework attempts you made, how long you spent on each question, and whether you used hints.

In fact, teachers can even see detailed analytics showing which topics the whole class struggled with. This means they can tailor lessons to exactly the right issues. Neat, right?

What’s the best Maths learning website?

MathsWatch is definitely one of the top contenders when it comes to online maths learning. It’s particularly helpful for homework help and guided practice, with its in-depth video tutorials, practice questions and instant feedback.

But if you’re looking for extra resources to support your studies, there are more excellent websites. We’ve split them into the best websites for GCSE and A Level revision, to help you get the most out of your study time.

What’s the best website for GCSE Maths revision?

The best GCSE Maths revision websites (like BBC Bitesize, Maths Genie, Corbett Maths and PMT) provide a range of resources, from past papers to interactive exercises, to ensure you’re fully prepared for exams. But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For example, while some students prefer the punchy explanations of BBC Bitesize, others like the more structured learning of PMT.

Remember, the best GCSE Maths revision website is one you actually use. So have an explore and see what works for you.

Here are some of the best:

• Maths Genie: Excellent for free past papers, topic-by-topic questions and revision guides. It’s very popular for exam preparation. Read our review >
• DrFrostMaths: Perfect for students who enjoy a challenge and want to push their skills further. It offers a wealth of resources, including worksheets and practice questions.
• CorbettMaths: Known for its huge collection of resources, including video tutorials, worksheets and practice papers. Read our review >
• PMT (Physics and Maths Tutor): A fantastic resource for practice questions and revision notes. It’s tailored mainly towards GCSE students and includes free past papers. Read our review >
• BBC Bitesize: Excellent for quick topic summaries, practice questions and recapping key points.

What’s the best website for A Level Maths revision?

For AS and A Level Maths, you’ll need websites that go beyond the basics and offer in-depth resources to help you tackle complex problem-solving and advanced topics. MathsWatch is no-doubt helpful but may not provide the depth some A Level students need, especially for longer, more detailed questions.

For more advanced revision, try these options:

• ExamSolutions: Offers detailed walkthroughs and explanations for A Level maths topics. It’s an excellent resource for understanding complex concepts and working through exam-style questions.
• Khan Academy: Offers free, comprehensive video tutorials covering a wide range of A Level topics in clear, easy-to-understand formats.
• Seneca: More interactive than other sites, Seneca provides a gamified experience while offering revision materials tailored to the A Level curriculum. Read our review >
• PMT, Maths Genie, and CorbettMaths: As well as GCSE content, these websites also offer dedicated A Level maths sections, giving you a variety of practice materials and tutorials.

If you’re preparing for exams, check out our blogs on the best all-round revision websites, how to create an effective revision timetable and tips for acing your exams.

Need a little extra support? Get in touch with our expert team at Academic Coaching! Whether you need help with exam strategies, university applications or general academic guidance, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Let us help you reach your goals with personalised coaching and advice.