IXL Learning buys UK tutoring platform MyTutor amid rise in digital education demand
The US-based edtech company has acquired MyTutor as UK parents increasingly seek online learning support in response to VAT changes affecting private schools.
IXL Learning, a US-headquartered company with a portfolio of educational products, has acquired UK-based online tutoring platform MyTutor. The deal reflects ongoing shifts in the UK education sector, where tutoring is reportedly seeing increased uptake following the government’s decision to introduce VAT on private school fees.
Founded in 2013, MyTutor connects students with university-level tutors for online one-to-one lessons. According to the company, it has delivered more than 4 million sessions and currently supports over 1,600 secondary schools. A reported 27 percent year-on-year increase in new parent sign-ups suggests that families are seeking alternative support outside the traditional school system.
The acquisition allows IXL Learning, which also owns Rosetta Stone, Wyzant, and Education.com, to expand its UK and European operations. The company operates in multiple global markets, offering a range of products in math, language, and literacy education.
Paul Mishkin, CEO at IXL Learning, says the acquisition will help extend MyTutor’s model to new audiences. “Effective tutoring isn’t just about getting extra help. It’s about who gives it,” he says. “MyTutor’s refreshingly different approach creates a natural connection between students and tutors—one that helps learners feel seen, supported and engaged.”
AI tools and growth plans shape the next phase
MyTutor uses a mix of synchronous video, whiteboard tools, and content features such as AI-generated lesson plans and exam preparation. Its tutors offer support across core subjects and qualifications including Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, as well as GCSEs and A-Levels.
The UK tutoring sector has become increasingly competitive, with multiple platforms seeking to capitalize on changes in school funding models and shifts in family priorities. While MyTutor has received over £34 million in funding to date, the broader market remains fragmented and largely unregulated.
Bertie Hubbard, Co-founder and CEO of MyTutor, says the deal supports long-term goals. “At MyTutor, our mission is to transform the lives of 1,000,000 learners,” he says. “As the education landscape evolves, we’ve been looking for the right partner to help us take the next step—that brings experience of operating at scale, shares our commitment to impact and enables us to build for the long term.”
