Sparx is a socially focused learning technology company. Their goal is to improve numeracy levels and educational outcomes for over five million learners by 2030. Founded eight years ago in Exeter, Sparx has operated very much ‘below the radar’, focusing on researching ways to help secondary school pupils learn maths. Following the launch of its first product, Sparx Maths Homework, the company approached Pedroza Comms to help raise awareness of their work with schools and education stakeholders.

Planning

In the first few weeks, we worked rapidly to get all the PR foundations in place and to issue the first press release from Sparx. We interviewed case studies and spokespeople and developed a range of news angles linked closely to the work of Sparx. These included their remarkable results with disadvantaged learners, their views on edtech and measurement, and as an Exeter business, their work with local schools.

Initial results

In the past few months, we’ve talked to local and education journalists who have been really interested in the work of this groundbreaking company. Journalists have visited schools to see Sparx in action and interviewed teachers and key staff at Sparx. At BETT, the education technology show, we strengthened links between Sparx and key influencers and journalists. One outcome of this was a surprise mention in Nesta’s AI & Education report. We’ve also jumped on bigger education stories to secure expert comment opportunities for Sparx.

To date, we’ve secured around 16 pieces of coverage and this is only continuing to grow. Coverage has included local media such as The Exeter Daily, the Midweek Herald, Grow Magazine and the Cornish and Devon Post. In the education and technology sector media, coverage has included case studies, features and expert comment in TES, Education Technology, Education Today, and The Verdict to name just a few.

Feedback from Sparx

“The development of our relationship with Pedroza Communications and the related output represents a real sea change in Sparx’ positioning. Anna’s in-depth knowledge of the marketplace and extensive network of contacts means that we feel able to trust their advice, value their ideas and has really provided us with some impetus on the road to building a profile for Sparx amongst our target audiences.”

It is still early days, and we’ve got a lot more planned, but this is a very positive start. Sparx is an amazing company and we’re privileged to be working with them.

For more information on Sparx, you can visit sparx.co.uk/