How I Rediscovered My Love for Maths and Turned It Into a Business
- Michelle Pankhurst
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
As a teenager, I loved Maths. I loved the problem-solving, the logic, and the way everything seemed to fit together like a giant puzzle. But it wasn’t considered “cool” to love Maths, and I just wanted to fit in with everyone else. I quietly pursued Maths at A-Level, with dreams of studying it further at university. But doubts started to creep in.
When I shared my dream of studying Maths at university, people told me I didn’t “look” like someone who would study Maths. They said my course would be full of boys and that I’d struggle to find anyone like me at university. These words stuck, and my lack of confidence only amplified them. It wasn’t my parents who doubted me—they were always supportive—but I let the voices around me shape my decisions. So, I gave up on my dream and chose to study Psychology instead.
Looking back, I’m still grateful for that choice because my degree taught me so much and helped me grow as a person. I developed skills I use to this day, and achieving a first in my degree was a proud moment. But even during my Psychology studies, I couldn’t quite let go of Maths. The Statistics module was my saving grace. It was the one place where my love for numbers and problem-solving came alive again. Using statistics in my dissertation was a highlight and reminded me of what I’d left behind.

After graduating, I worked as a one-to-one Learning Support Assistant for a boy with Autism. Part of my role involved supporting him in his Maths lessons. It was during those moments that a thought sparked: I could teach this. It felt natural. It felt right. And so, I did. I retrained and became a secondary school Maths teacher.
For the next 12 years, I poured my heart into teaching. I loved working with students, helping them grasp complex concepts, and watching their confidence grow. I took on various roles and responsibilities, progressing in my career. But after the birth of my second child, my daughter, something shifted. My priorities changed, and I started to explore other paths. I retrained and set up my own business teaching antenatal classes. I also retrained as an aquanatal yoga teacher, teaching pregnant women. I loved the opportunities my business brought me to connect with others, but balancing that with still teaching in school was challenging.

Then, about a year ago, an ex-colleague from school, who was also my neighbour, approached me and asked if I’d tutor her daughter and as I started tutoring her, something incredible happened. She was aiming for grades 8 and 9, so as we worked through those really tough end-of-paper questions (if you know, you know!), I rediscovered my love for Maths—the same love I had as a teenager, back when I was too afraid to embrace it fully. Tutoring reignited that passion and reminded me why I fell in love with the subject in the first place.
Now, I’m running my own tutoring business, helping GCSE Maths students across the UK. As a GCSE Maths tutor, my passion is for students who have the ability to explore those higher-grade topics but may be lacking in confidence—just like I was. I provide structured revision strategies, personalised guidance, and support that builds both skills and confidence. My favorite part? Showing students that Maths isn’t just about numbers or exams—it’s about problem-solving, connections, and the beauty of how everything fits together.
Starting this business has been a journey of coming full circle. It’s been about embracing what I love, trusting my instincts, and proving to myself that I can turn a passion into something meaningful. If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s this: the “wrong turns” you think you’ve taken might just lead you to exactly where you need to be.

If you’re looking for a GCSE Maths tutor who’s passionate about helping students achieve their full potential, get in touch. Whether you’re striving for a grade 7, 8, or 9, I’m here to help you master Maths and approach your exams with confidence.
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