Confidence Changes Everything in Maths™
At MathsWings, we believe that confidence in maths is built, not born. We follow a clear philosophy to help every learner thrive through supported growth.
Calm Practice
Confidence grows over time through calm, supported practice and small, achievable steps.
Core Strength
We focus on strengthening core understanding so new topics feel clearer and safer.
Guided Growth
We meet each learner where they are, offering gentle challenge and encouragement.
Uplifting Experience
We design maths experiences that reduce anxiety and help learners feel proud of their work.
Suggested Read Time: 2 minutes
My Story
For more than twenty years, I've had the privilege of teaching mathematics in mainstream schools, alternative provision, colleges and adult education. Throughout my career, I gradually realised something that changed the way I viewed mathematics education forever.
It wasn't mathematical ability that held most learners back.
It was confidence.
Time and time again, I met learners who were more capable than they believed themselves to be. Somewhere along the way they had convinced themselves that they simply 'weren't a maths person.' That belief became far more powerful than any mathematical difficulty.
It affected the questions they asked, the effort they gave and the risks they were willing to take. I gradually realised I wasn't simply teaching mathematics, I was helping people rebuild their belief in themselves. That realisation inspired me to create MathsWings.
What 20 Years of Teaching Has Taught Me About Maths Confidence
Suggested reading time: 3 minutes
Over more than twenty years of teaching, I noticed the same pattern again and again. Parents would tell me , "I was never any good at maths." Some learners would tell themselves, 'I am not bothered.' Others would say, 'I don't need maths.' Although the words were different, the message was always the same.
Somewhere along the way, they had stopped believing they could succeed in mathematics.
Resulting in many avoided homework. Revision was left until the last minute. Some eventually found themselves caught in a cycle of resitting exams.
One experience has always stayed with me, and it wasn't actually with a student. A teaching assistant was assigned to support the maths curriculum that year. When she discovered she would be working in maths lessons, her first response was: "I can't do maths. Could I be moved to another subject?" Instead, I encouraged her to stay. I simply said, "If you don't understand something, ask. Never be afraid to ask questions."
I also explained that there would almost certainly be children in the classroom who were thinking exactly the same thing but were too afraid to say it out loud. By asking questions herself, she wouldn't just be helping her own learning, she would also be showing those learners that it is okay not to know, okay to ask for help and okay to keep trying.
A Moment I'll Never Forget
Over time, that teaching Assistant confidence grew. She went on to achieve the equivalent of a Grade 6 in maths and later graduated from university with a First Class degree.
Watching her confidence grow taught me something I have never forgotten. Mathematics is never just about mathematics. When people begin to believe in themselves mathematically, they often begin to believe in themselves more generally.
Once confidence began to grow, everything else started to change. Learners became willing to ask questions. They became curious again. They persevered through challenges. Most importantly, they started believing success was possible.
“Most learners were not avoiding mathematics because they lacked ability. They were protecting themselves from the possibility of failing.”
I gradually realised I was not simply teaching mathematics. I was helping people rediscover what they were capable of.
“Maths confidence is about more than improving grades. It is about helping people rediscover what they are capable of.”
The MathsWings Vision
Today, one of the most common things adults say to me is,
“I wish something like this had existed when I was younger.”
Every time I hear those words, they remind me why MathsWings exists.
MathsWings was founded on one simple belief.
Confidence changes everything in maths.
This vision represents the future I hope to help create.
⭐ 20+ Years Teaching Mathematics
⭐ MBA (Distinction)
⭐ School Governor
For more than twenty years, Karen Williams has worked with learners across mainstream schools, alternative provision, colleges and adult education.
Throughout her career she has led mathematics departments, improved GCSE outcomes, supported learners with additional needs and helped rebuild the confidence of hundreds of young people and adults who believed they could not succeed in mathematics.
Karen combines classroom experience with a background in psychology, educational research and educational leadership to ensure every MathsWings programme is grounded in both evidence and real classroom practice.
Today, she continues to work towards her vision of helping more learners discover what they are capable of by building confidence, reducing maths anxiety and strengthening mathematical foundations.
⭐ BSc (Hons) Psychology
⭐ Alternative Provision & SEMH Experience
⭐ Former Head of Mathematics
⭐ GCSE Intervention Specialist
⭐ Enhanced DBS
Educational Expertise
More than twenty years of experience teaching mathematics across mainstream schools, alternative provision, colleges and adult education.
Specialist Experience
Extensive experience supporting learners with diverse needs, including alternative provision, SEMH and learners experiencing maths anxiety.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about MathsWings.
I hope this has given you a better understanding of why I created MathsWings and the future I hope to help build.
Because every learner deserves the opportunity to discover what they are capable of.
Karen Williams
Founder, MathsWings™
Proven Impact
Supporting learners to rebuild confidence, strengthen mathematical foundations and improve outcomes through evidence informed practice.
Psychology Informed
Combining mathematics education with psychology and educational research to build confidence, reduce maths anxiety and develop resilient learners.
Building Confidence • Reducing Maths Anxiety • Strengthening Foundations • Rebuilding SelfBelief • Building Resilience • Positive Experiences • Growing MathsWings™