Darren Norman: The Gradual Shift from Teacher to Business Owner
Mon Feb 02 2026
Podcast Overview
What happens when a teacher starts questioning the relevance of what’s being taught — and decides to do something about it?
In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley is joined by Darren Norman, founder of Headline Maths, who shares his journey from a 17-year teaching career to building an education business rooted in real-world relevance.
Darren talks honestly about the mindset shift from teacher to business owner, the fear and self-doubt that comes with leaving a stable career, and why feedback from schools has become the most valuable driver of his product’s growth. He also explains the thinking behind Headline Maths: using current news stories to help students finally answer the question, “When am I ever going to use this?”
This episode is especially valuable for teachers who are curious about starting a business, founders who are early in their journey, and anyone wrestling with confidence, relevance, or making the leap into something new.
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Darren’s teaching career background
02:45 “Why do we need to know this?”
03:30 The idea behind Headline Maths
06:00 Leaving teaching & working alone
07:10 Fear, stability & self-doubt
08:00 Creating structure as a solo founder
09:10 Misconceptions about education businesses
11:00 Feedback from schools
13:00 Handling feedback emotionally
15:00 Growth plans & future vision
16:30 Teacher vs business owner identity
17:30 Making maths meaningful for students
21:00 Final advice for new founders
All About Darren:
A teacher of 17 years specialising in Maths, with experience teaching PE and Science. He spent over 10 years in SEN schools before moving to Spain mid-Covid for a change, teaching Maths in an International School, where he became Head of Department for the Secondary School.
He fell into teaching Maths when a sports club placement during university fell through, leading him to a special school where he stayed for 6 years as both a TA and teacher. He volunteered to teach Maths to cover a maternity post and discovered a lasting passion for the subject.
He did not come to Maths naturally, which has shaped his ability to break concepts into clear, manageable steps and make the subject more accessible. Over time, he grew tired of hearing the same questions from students: “what’s the point?” and “when will I ever need this?” He saw that traditional exam content and textbooks often felt irrelevant, which led him to create a clear purpose — to Make Maths Meaningful by helping students see its real value and presence in everyday life.
He now teaches Maths privately online and is building Headline Maths, while still based in Spain.
A keen sportsman, he has represented GB Teachers in Rugby League and made an unofficial appearance for Spain. Now retired from competitive sport, he keeps active through running, cycling, and swimming.
He lives on the coast south of Valencia with his girlfriend, who is a primary school teacher and leader. He is looking to grow the Headline Maths client list across the UK and internationally, with the aim of changing how students perceive Maths.
Website: www.headlinemaths.comInstagram: @headline_mathsFacebook: Headline Maths
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Podcast Overview What happens when a teacher starts questioning the relevance of what’s being taught — and decides to do something about it? In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley is joined by Darren Norman, founder of Headline Maths, who shares his journey from a 17-year teaching career to building an education business rooted in real-world relevance. Darren talks honestly about the mindset shift from teacher to business owner, the fear and self-doubt that comes with leaving a stable career, and why feedback from schools has become the most valuable driver of his product’s growth. He also explains the thinking behind Headline Maths: using current news stories to help students finally answer the question, “When am I ever going to use this?” This episode is especially valuable for teachers who are curious about starting a business, founders who are early in their journey, and anyone wrestling with confidence, relevance, or making the leap into something new. 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Darren’s teaching career background 02:45 “Why do we need to know this?” 03:30 The idea behind Headline Maths 06:00 Leaving teaching & working alone 07:10 Fear, stability & self-doubt 08:00 Creating structure as a solo founder 09:10 Misconceptions about education businesses 11:00 Feedback from schools 13:00 Handling feedback emotionally 15:00 Growth plans & future vision 16:30 Teacher vs business owner identity 17:30 Making maths meaningful for students 21:00 Final advice for new founders All About Darren: A teacher of 17 years specialising in Maths, with experience teaching PE and Science. He spent over 10 years in SEN schools before moving to Spain mid-Covid for a change, teaching Maths in an International School, where he became Head of Department for the Secondary School. He fell into teaching Maths when a sports club placement during university fell through, leading him to a special school where he stayed for 6 years as both a TA and teacher. He volunteered to teach Maths to cover a maternity post and discovered a lasting passion for the subject. He did not come to Maths naturally, which has shaped his ability to break concepts into clear, manageable steps and make the subject more accessible. Over time, he grew tired of hearing the same questions from students: “what’s the point?” and “when will I ever need this?” He saw that traditional exam content and textbooks often felt irrelevant, which led him to create a clear purpose — to Make Maths Meaningful by helping students see its real value and presence in everyday life. He now teaches Maths privately online and is building Headline Maths, while still based in Spain. A keen sportsman, he has represented GB Teachers in Rugby League and made an unofficial appearance for Spain. Now retired from competitive sport, he keeps active through running, cycling, and swimming. He lives on the coast south of Valencia with his girlfriend, who is a primary school teacher and leader. He is looking to grow the Headline Maths client list across the UK and internationally, with the aim of changing how students perceive Maths. Website: www.headlinemaths.comInstagram: @headline_mathsFacebook: Headline Maths See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.