UpGrades vs HegartyMaths

How does HegartyMaths compare to UpGrades?

HegartyMaths (now part of Sparx Maths) provides a library of maths video lessons each followed by a quiz, with a strong homework-setting system used widely by UK schools. It was founded by teacher Colin Hegarty and emphasises watching videos before practising.

HegartyMaths was created by Colin Hegarty, a maths teacher who built a comprehensive library of video lessons covering the full GCSE Maths curriculum. Each topic has a dedicated video lesson followed by a set of quiz questions, and the platform's distinctive approach requires students to watch the video and take notes before attempting the questions. The platform has since become part of the Sparx Maths ecosystem, though HegartyMaths continues to be used in many schools.

The platform's school integration is one of its strongest features. Teachers can set specific topics as homework, and the system tracks whether students have watched the videos and completed the quizzes. The "MemRi" feature encourages students to revisit previous topics, providing some element of review, though it is not a full adaptive spaced repetition system.

HegartyMaths has built a loyal following among maths teachers, partly because Colin Hegarty's teaching style resonates with many students. The videos are clear, well-paced, and explain concepts in an approachable way. For students who benefit from having a concept explained by a skilled teacher before attempting questions, this video-first model can be effective.

However, HegartyMaths is exclusively a maths platform and follows a video-first learning model. Students must watch the video before they can access questions, which means the platform prioritises passive viewing over active practice. Students who already understand a topic still need to watch the video before practising, which can be frustrating and time-inefficient. The platform does not use adaptive AI to adjust question difficulty based on individual student performance.

UpGrades takes a practice-first approach across all subjects. Students immediately engage with questions at their appropriate difficulty level, with the AI continuously adapting based on their responses. This means students who are strong on a topic move quickly to more challenging content, while those who are struggling receive more support and easier questions to build confidence. With coverage across 85+ subjects, parent dashboards, spaced repetition, and mock exams, UpGrades provides a broader and more adaptive revision experience than a maths-specific video platform.