Sumdog is an innovative learning platform designed to make maths engaging and enjoyable for children aged 5 to 14. By integrating curriculum-aligned questions into fun, interactive games, Sumdog aims to support classroom learning while boosting pupils’ maths skills.
To understand the impact of Sumdog on pupils' attitudes and attainment in maths, a comprehensive efficacy study was conducted from October 2024 to June 2025 in partnershp with ImpactEd. The study involved 14 schools, with data collected from 499 pupils for maths attainment and 239 pupils for attitude surveys. Additionally, interviews and focus groups were conducted with 15 teachers to gather qualitative insights.
Teachers have found Sumdog to be a versatile tool in their maths teaching practices. They primarily use it to reinforce concepts taught in class, engage pupils who are less interested in traditional learning methods, and identify gaps in pupils' knowledge. Many teachers incorporate Sumdog into their daily classroom activities by allowing pupils to use it for extra practice after completing their main tasks. This helps consolidate their learning and ensures that they can independently practise maths at an appropriate level.
Additionally, some teachers set Sumdog exercises as homework, allowing pupils to continue practising at home. This approach not only reinforces classroom learning but also introduces pupils to upcoming topics, preparing them for future lessons. The platform's gamified nature makes learning maths enjoyable and engaging, even for those who typically struggle with the subject.
Sumdog also helps teachers identify learning gaps and personalise instruction.
“When they've (the students) done their diagnostic testing, what comes up on there is the aspects that they need help with so they can go on and do the tasks on there that it sets for them based on what their diagnostic testing said about that individual child.” Teacher 6
Early Observations on Pupils’ Attitudes Towards Maths
One of the standout features of Sumdog is its ability to make maths fun and engaging. Teachers have reported that pupils are eager to use the platform, often requesting to play Sumdog games as soon as they enter the classroom. This high level of engagement is a testament to the platform's success in making maths enjoyable.
“As a morning task especially, they're like as soon as they enter the classroom, Miss, can we do Sumdog? I'm like, go for it.” Teacher 3
Teachers have observed that Sumdog has a particularly positive impact on pupils who are generally less enthusiastic about maths. The game-based learning approach helps these pupils see maths as less intimidating and more approachable. In some cases, pupils who previously avoided maths homework have become more motivated to complete their assignments, leading to increased practice and improved skills.
Teachers highlighted increased enjoyment and confidence when using Sumdog. However, many noted that fostering a deeper shift in attitudes toward maths may require longer-term engagement, such as starting at a younger age and continuing through to Year 6.
Impact on Maths Attainment: Key Findings
The impact of Sumdog on pupils' maths attainment has been significant. According to the data collected, pupils showed statistically significant improvements in their maths attainment between Term 1 and Term 3. This improvement was particularly notable among pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those eligible for Pupil Premium. Teachers believe that Sumdog supports mathematical fluency and helps consolidate knowledge, freeing up classroom time to focus on other areas of the curriculum.
"So the ones that have special needs, they often do struggle with maths...However, with Sumdog...these children...say 'we want to do Sumdog, we want to do this activity,'" shared Teacher 15.
Interestingly, pupils both with and without Special Educational Needs (SEN) showed substantial improvement. Among pupils with SEN, the percentage working below the expected standard dropped from 71.8% to 41.4%.
Teachers emphasised that while Sumdog is a valuable tool, high-quality teaching remains crucial and Sumdog should be seen as a valuable addition to the toolkit that enhances traditional teaching methods.
“As class teachers, we have a number of different strategies that we use to drive up attainment with children. Quality of teaching is obviously really, really important. But it's all about other things that we can use as well, which help drive up children's engagement and therefore their attainment.”
Benefits for SEN and Pupil Premium Learners
Sumdog has proven to be particularly beneficial for pupils with SEN and those eligible for Pupil Premium. Teachers have found that the platform's adaptive learning capabilities allow these pupils to work at their own pace and level, without feeling excluded or stigmatised. This personalised approach helps build confidence and encourages pupils to engage with maths in a positive way. Teachers have also noted that Sumdog's accessibility from home enables pupils who are unable to attend school to continue their learning, helping them keep up with their peers.
"One of the children who I'm thinking of particularly...is a Year 4 girl who's probably operating at Year 1 level...But when we can then put work in front of her with Sumdog to let her know that yes, she can succeed, her face lights up because she knows she can do it at that point." Teacher 4
Ease of Use and Classroom Integration
Teachers appreciate Sumdog's ease of use and seamless integration into the classroom. After the initial setup and induction, both teachers and pupils found the platform intuitive and straightforward to use. Sumdog's alignment with the national curriculum and the White Rose Maths schemes of learning further simplifies the process of assigning relevant exercises.
The platform's digital assessments provide a quick and engaging way to evaluate pupils' understanding, reducing the need for paper-based assessments. This convenience, combined with the ability to set differentiated tasks, makes Sumdog a practical and efficient tool for teachers.
Teachers’ Insights and Recommendations
To get the most out of Sumdog, teachers should consider the following tips:
In conclusion
In conclusion, Sumdog is a valuable tool that enhances maths education by making learning fun, engaging, and personalised. It supports pupils of all abilities, helping to improve their maths attainment and confidence. With continued practice and teacher support, Sumdog has the potential to make a lasting impact on primary maths education.