Our story
A Place I Would Have Loved to Attend
The Academy was founded to give mathematically talented young people the challenge, community and encouragement they deserve.
Our story
Throughout my career as a mathematics teacher, I have met many exceptionally talented young mathematicians whose needs simply were not being met within mainstream education.
They were eager for challenge, fascinated by mathematical ideas and ready to explore concepts well beyond the school curriculum, yet opportunities for sustained mathematical enrichment were limited.
As someone whose own love of mathematics was shaped through mathematical competitions and enrichment programmes, I wanted to create the kind of community I would have loved to have attended as a student: a place where talented young mathematicians could challenge themselves, learn alongside like-minded peers and discover just how exciting mathematics can be.
The Academy was founded with that vision in mind. Our mission is to nurture exceptional mathematical talent and to create an environment where every talented young mathematician — especially those who may not yet see themselves as “a mathematician” — develops confidence, resilience and a genuine mathematical identity.
The founder
Who Teaches the Classes
Founder & teacher
Jean O’Brien
Jean is a mathematics and applied mathematics teacher who founded the Academy to give talented young mathematicians the enrichment she found so formative herself.
- Graduate of Trinity College Dublin
- Irish representative at the 2017 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, where she received an Honourable Mention
- Teacher of mathematics and applied mathematics
A commitment
Supporting Girls in Advanced Mathematics
The O’Brien Maths Academy believes that mathematics belongs to everyone, and we are committed to encouraging more girls to pursue advanced mathematics.
Research consistently shows that capable female students often underestimate their mathematical ability and are less likely to participate in enrichment activities, competitions and advanced STEM subjects despite achieving equally high results.
Through challenging yet supportive instruction, we aim to build confidence in mathematical reasoning, spatial thinking and problem solving, helping talented girls recognise and develop their full potential.
We believe mathematical talent exists equally across genders — and every gifted student deserves the opportunity to flourish. Through our supportive community we hope to encourage more young women to pursue advanced mathematics and STEM careers.
In practice
How That Shows Up in a Classroom
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Small groups
Classes are kept small so that every student is heard and every approach gets discussed, not just the first correct one.
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Problems, not exercises
Students spend their time on questions they have not seen before, where the method is part of what has to be worked out.
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Peers who get it
For many students it is the first time they are in a room where enthusiasm for mathematics is completely unremarkable.
Come and be part of it
Register your interest and we will be in touch with details for the autumn term.