Record growth for Wiltshire EdTech business Gaia Learning

Gaia Learning, an online learning provider for neurodivergent children has secured £100,000 in angel investments in just three months off the back of a record year for growth.

Founded by Salisbury mum-of-three Kirstin Coughtrie in 2019, the EdTech company has seen its userbase triple since the start of the academic year.

The online platform delivers live learning for neurodivergent children aged 8 to 16 with ADHD and autism, mostly as a supplement to existing school provision.

“We’re going from strength to strength and are ending this financial year on a high”, said Kirstin.

“We’ve totalled our investment to £100,000, grown our team to 13 staff members and seen interest coming in from schools across the UK.

“Now more than ever, schools need flexible, digital solutions that can scale within budget supporting each neurodivergent child’s needs.”

Kirstin, a tech-obsessed geography teacher, launched the online learning platform after facing inadequacies in mainstream schooling for her neurodivergent son, who, like herself, has ADHD.

Two years later in 2021, she teamed up with experienced North West-based tech entrepreneur Kate Longworth after connecting on LinkedIn.

Together they’ve taken Gaia Learning from a small, specialist tuition business to a registered online Cambridge International School and national alternative education provider, partnering with schools, local authorities and families across the UK and beyond.

It was also the first online learning provider to be awarded the ADHD Friendly School award from the ADHD Foundation in 2023.

Last December, Kirstin and Kate set out to fundraise £500,000 to continue Gaia Learning’s expansion – with their latest backer taking them up to £100,000 already.

Investor Susanna Lawson, co-founder of Circle of Trust and OneFile, said: “Gaia Learning is a fantastic solution to support all stakeholders with an increasing market need.

“I’m thrilled to be able to invest in two amazing female entrepreneurs who have demonstrated strong traction, a recognised brand in the EdTech space and impressive entrepreneurial spirit.

“I’m excited to be part of their journey.”