Background information

In 1954, Toru Kumon, a high school maths teacher in Japan, began developing materials to help his son who was struggling with maths. As an educator, Mr. Kumon realised that a strong foundation in the basics was needed for success in higher-level maths. He also believed learning occurs most efficiently when:

• The level of material being learned corresponds to the student's level of ability
• The rate of progress is determined by the student, not by the teacher
• The material to be learned is organised into a naturally coherent, logical progression

With these principles in mind, Mr. Kumon created a series of carefully sequenced materials for his son to do after school. Through daily practice and a commitment to mastering each concept, the young boy improved his maths skills and gained the ability to solve maths problems well beyond his school level.

Mr. Kumon's neighbours heard about the success of his son and started asking him to work with their children. To meet this spontaneous demand, the first Kumon centre was opened in Mr. Kumon's home in 1956.

For two years, this new approach to education was refined and formalised. In 1958, the Kumon Institute of Education was established with the objective of helping students excel in maths and gain a love for learning.

Kumon expanded rapidly through the 1960's. In 1983 the first Kumon centre in the UK opened in Golders Green, North London. The English programme was established in the UK in 1997.