A new interim study from ImpactEd Evaluation provides fresh insight into how Sumdog is being used in Scottish primary schools — and the difference it’s making to teaching and learning.
In one school, active participation increased from 41% to 75% after introducing Sumdog competitions.
Based on interviews and focus groups with teachers in nine Scottish primary schools, the study highlights how Sumdog supports engagement, builds confidence, and helps teachers make more informed decisions.
While the full findings are detailed in the report, here are a few highlights.
Strong engagement and pupils choosing maths more often
Across all schools in the study, teachers reported consistently high levels of engagement. When given a choice, pupils overwhelmingly preferred Sumdog over traditional maths activities.
One of the clearest indicators of this impact comes from how structured use of competitions can transform participation. In one school, the proportion of pupils actively engaging with maths through Sumdog rose from 41% to 75% over the course of a year.
This suggests that when used strategically, features like competitions and rewards can significantly increase regular practice and motivation.
Building fluency and confidence through practice
Teachers consistently highlighted improvements in pupils’ fluency and confidence, particularly for those who typically struggle with maths.
Sumdog’s adaptive approach means pupils work at the right level, with repeated practice helping them embed key skills over time. Teachers described noticeable improvements in accuracy and confidence, especially when compared to traditional worksheets or workbooks.
Importantly, this impact was seen across a wide range of learners, not just specific groups, making Sumdog a valuable tool for inclusive classrooms.
Supporting better teaching decisions
Beyond pupil outcomes, the study shows that Sumdog plays a key role in shaping teaching practice.
Teachers use Sumdog in three main ways:
- Identifying gaps in learning through diagnostic insights
- Providing targeted consolidation through adaptive practice
- Motivating pupils through competitions and rewards
This combination allows teachers to quickly identify where support is needed, adjust their teaching, and track progress, all without the administrative burden of traditional assessment methods.
A tool that works across diverse classrooms
One of the most consistent findings from the study is Sumdog’s flexibility.
Teachers reported that it supports a wide range of learners, including lower-attaining pupils and those with additional needs, without singling anyone out. Because all pupils work at their own level within the same platform, classrooms maintain a sense of equity and shared experience.
At the same time, the study highlights the importance of access to technology outside school, which can influence how much additional practice pupils are able to complete.
Engagement first, but making the learning explicit matters
While pupils are highly motivated to use Sumdog, teachers noted that many see it primarily as a game rather than “doing maths.”
This can be a strength, helping overcome negative attitudes, but also presents an opportunity. Making the link between gameplay and learning more explicit could help translate engagement into broader improvements in attitudes towards maths.
About the study
This interim report is based on qualitative research conducted in November and December 2025, including interviews and focus groups with 9 teachers across 9 Scottish primary schools. All participating schools had been using Sumdog for at least five years, with some using it for over a decade.
What this means for schools
The findings suggest that Sumdog’s impact is strongest when it is used strategically, not just as an occasional activity, but as an integrated part of teaching and learning.
From increasing active participation from 41% to 75%, to supporting consistently high engagement and more targeted teaching, the study highlights how Sumdog can make a meaningful difference in classrooms.
As further research continues, including upcoming quantitative analysis, these insights provide a strong foundation for understanding how technology can support maths learning at scale.
What happens next?
This interim study focuses on qualitative insights from experienced Sumdog users. The full evaluation will continue throughout 2026, adding additional evidence, including quantitative comparisons of pupil attainment.
Together, these findings will help build a deeper understanding of how adaptive, games-based learning tools can support both teachers and pupils.
Read the full report
This blog post only scratches the surface of the findings.
To explore the complete research, including detailed teacher insights, classroom examples, and recommendations for future development, download the full interim impact report.
