STUDENTS frazzled by fractions or stumped by statistics can hone their skills at a new maths hub.

A study centre called Mathnasium has opened in Summertown in a bid to boost maths engagement in Oxford, offering tutorials and homework help after school and on Saturdays.

The business was born in America 16 years ago and has since branched out globally, claiming its ‘fun and innovative’ method teaches maths in a way that makes sense to children.

Summertown’s centre is one of just four in the UK, joining a family of more than 900 franchises across the world – including in America, Vietnam, China, the Middle East and Canada.

Ping Woolley, who moved to Oxford with her husband and eight-year-old son last year, will run the centre as its director.

The mother was formerly deputy editor for the Great British China Centre in London, a government-sponsored organisation which promotes relationships between the UK and China.

She said: “Shortly after moving, I was looking for a karate class for my son to join.

“Instead, we stumbled upon a tuition class being held in our local community centre.

“My son joined in and loved the fun, friendly group so much he begged to come back the following week.

“When I saw an advert for Mathnasium a few days later, it seemed serendipitous.

“After more research, I decided that it was exactly the right fit for me – and for Oxford.”

The centre in South Parade was formerly Paolo Gianni hairdressing salon, and gained Oxford City Council’s permission for a change of use in March.

It held an open day last month where families were invited to learn more about the learning techniques.

It is open to youngsters of primary and secondary school age, and aims to dispel confusion and inspire a love for the subject.

The first Mathnasium opened in 2002 in California, and the state is now home to 139 franchises replicating the same method of teaching.

Steve Felmingham, director of UK operations at Mathnasium, said the company’s first learning centre and training facility in England opened in Radlett, Hertfordshire, last year.

He said: “We have seen unprecedented demand for its proven approach. It’s not just learning to pass exams – Mathnasium teaches life skills that help prepare students for sixth form, university, and beyond.”

He hailed Oxford as the ‘prestigious home of UK academia’.

Students start by taking an assessment and a customised learning plan is built around the results of this, using a combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written techniques.

The method was first developed more than 40 years ago by American maths teacher Larry Martinek, who found there was a disconnect between students’ learning and the curriculum.

Oxford is at the forefront of a widespread UK rollout, with 28 new franchises planned.