Interview with Dan Tregoning: 100th International Centre

Q: Could you start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about your journey with Mathnasium in the UK?

Absolutely. I currently operate three Mathnasium centres in the UK. I started this journey with the opening of my first centre in Fulham in 2020. In 2023, I launched my second centre in Notting Hill, and most recently, I opened my third in Hammersmith which, coincidentally, became the 100th international Mathnasium centre. That was a proud milestone!

Q: What initially attracted you to Mathnasium and led you to become a franchisee?

My journey into franchising was a little different from most. I have a background in property consultancy, working specifically with educational institutions. Back in 2018, a contact of mine had just joined the International Development team at Mathnasium and approached me about expanding the brand in the UK.

The opportunity intrigued me; it felt almost too good to be true. But the more I explored it, the more it aligned with my passions and values. Everything clicked. By 2019, I had signed my franchise agreement, and I officially launched in January 2020.

Q: What were those early days like launching your first centre?

To be honest, the first few years were a bit of a rollercoaster. I opened Fulham in January 2020, just six weeks before the UK went into lockdown due to COVID-19. Not quite what I had planned!

However, this is where the strength of being part of a larger franchise family became clear. Mathnasium swiftly pivoted to online learning, and I was able to move many of my 25 initial students onto the virtual platform. When we reopened in July 2020, we grew rapidly, reaching 90 students by December. And then, of course, we were locked down again in early 2021. Despite the setbacks, we bounced back stronger. Over the next 18 months, we consolidated our growth, refi ned operations, and laid the groundwork to open our second centre in Notting Hill. That centre now supports around 100 students and has been a real success.

Q: How has your perspective on Mathnasium evolved as you’ve opened more centres?

From the start, I always envisioned becoming a multi-centre owner. The unexpected challenges of 2020 tested that vision, but they also revealed the incredible support system behind the brand, both from the US headquarters and the UK team, led by John Preston, Master Franchisee. 

The journey has shown me that sustainable growth in this network is entirely possible with the right team, systems, and mindset. It’s not just about day-to-day operations; it’s about being part of something much bigger.

Q: Any standout student success stories you’d like to share?

Absolutely! One that stands out is a young girl in Year 3 who came into our Fulham centre kicking and screaming. Her parents were at their wits' end. She could barely add 5 + 2, and anything beyond that was a struggle. Her attitude towards maths was overwhelmingly negative. She started with us just before the first lockdown, and while the transition was challenging, we managed to keep her engaged and build her trust. By July, when she returned to in-centre learning, we picked up where we left off. Over the next few years, we took her from Year 1-level work all the way through to Year 6. She was accepted into every secondary school she applied for, including her dream school. Today, she walks into the centre with a smile, gives me a hug and asks how I’m doing. Seeing that transformation, from fear and frustration to confidence and joy, is one of the most rewarding parts of this business.

Q: What other achievements are you proud of?

Honestly, just opening the doors of the centres is a huge achievement. The process in the UK can be bureaucratic and all come with their challenges. But it’s all worth it when we’re able to serve our communities effectively.

The opening of Hammersmith was particularly special, not just because it was my third centre, but because it marked the 100th international Mathnasium location outside North America. That was a proud moment.

Q: How has demand for maths education changed since you joined the network?

Demand has always been strong, maths is foundational. But since the pandemic, it’s become even more critical. So many children fell behind during those years, and the long-term effects are still being felt. Parents are more aware than ever of the gaps in their children’s learning.

Mathnasium’s focus on building strong foundations is exactly what these students need. We’re not just helping them catch up, we’re teaching them to love maths and approach it with confidence for life.

Q: Why did you choose Hammersmith as the location for your newest centre?

We look at a number of factors when choosing a site, population density, number of schools, accessibility, and convenience for families. Hammersmith stood out with around 30 schools in the territory and a population of around 60,000, including 15,000–20,000 students.

It’s also geographically perfect, right between my other two centres in Fulham and Notting Hill, which creates a great synergy for operations and community connection.

Q: What does it mean to you to open the 100th international Mathnasium centre?

It’s a huge honour. Being able to change lives through education is a rare opportunity, and to be part of this milestone is incredibly fulfilling. But for me, this is just one step, there’s the next hundred to come, both in the UK and globally.

Q: What’s on the horizon for you as a multi-centre owner?

I’m already looking at my next location. I always aim to be in the heart of the community, close to schools and accessible to families.

Each centre needs to feel like a local hub. I want our centres to be seen as key contributors to the community, places where learning, growth, and joy come together.

Q: How do you plan to innovate and continue growing within the franchise network?

Innovation is absolutely critical. Mathnasium is constantly evolving, particularly now with emerging technologies like AI. I know the team is actively working on ways to further customise and fine-tune our programmes, even though our model is already highly tailored.

Staying at the forefront of educational innovation will allow us to support students even more effectively in the years to come.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to prospective Mathnasium franchisees?

Do it, but know what you’re signing up for. This is a life-changing business, both for you and for the families you serve. It’s rewarding, but it’s also hard work. In the beginning, you’ll be doing everything from payroll to cleaning toilets to teaching students.

Immerse yourself in every part of the business. Learn about marketing, property, operations, all of it. The skills you gain are invaluable. And the impact you make? Unmatched.