Education Perfect

Maximising learning and teaching through constant innovation 

In 2007, two enterprising brothers, Craig and Shane, embarked on a mission to revolutionise education from their base in Dunedin, New Zealand. Craig, seeking a better way to learn languages while in high school, developed a rudimentary version of a language learning tool. Recognising its potential, he enlisted his brother Shane while both were at the University of Otago, and they created the first professional prototype. Subsequently, the company broadened its horizon to encompass​​​​ most subjects across nine curricula, evolving from "Language Perfect" to "Education Perfect."

"We're a learning and assessment tool, and our mission is to maximise every student's potential," states Education Perfect CEO, Jonathan Morgan. This mission drives the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. With a robust platform now adopted by over 5,000 schools and educating more than a million students globally, Education Perfect has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

A standout feature of Education Perfect’s offering is its state-of-the-art AI coaching tool. As Jonathan explains, "It actually prompts the student to express themselves and then gives real-time feedback on what they're doing well and where they can improve." This iterative learning approach not only enhances student engagement but also significantly improves their performance. Already, 140 schools have expressed interest in using this tool, and over 100 schools in Australia and New Zealand are actively ​​​​trialling it, witnessing a 25% improvement in student responses within weeks.

Another distinguishing factor is the company’s commitment to aligning its lessons with different curricula. “Curricula evolve regularly, making it difficult for educators to stay current. We ensure that teachers using our platform always have curriculum-aligned material," says Jonathan. This meticulous approach keeps Education Perfect relevant and effective across nine curricula globally, regardless of the diverse educational landscapes they are based on.  

However, Education Perfect aims for more than just engaging lessons. The company also wants to empower educators with data-driven insights and cutting-edge technology that amplifies their classroom impact.

“Our assessment capabilities are very advanced and will become even more advanced," notes Jonathan. This emphasis on data and analysis provides educators with invaluable insights, helping them to maximise their effectiveness. By identifying areas where students struggle and excel, teachers can better tailor their instruction to meet individual needs. "No, obviously not. But what it can do is amplify their impact," Jonathan emphasises, debunking the myth that AI will replace teachers. Instead, AI serves as a powerful tool to augment a teacher’s ability to enhance student learning outcomes.

Underpinning these advancements is a strong R&D team predominantly based in New Zealand. "Our R&D team is continually pushing the boundaries," asserts Jonathan. This relentless pursuit of innovation positions Education Perfect at the forefront of educational technology. "We definitely have an ambition to be the leading learning and assessment tool," Jonathan adds, outlining the company’s vision for global influence.

Callaghan Innovation's support has been vital, with Education Perfect benefitting from grants and innovation advice. "One grant funded the development of our mobile technology at a critical time — when we moved from just languages to cross-curricular education,” recalls Jonathan. He also credits the R&D Tax Incentive as being key for developing the AI coaching tool, allowing the company to experiment without needing to prove the research would lead to a commercial outcome. “When we started looking at large language models (LLMs), we didn't know whether they would be useful, and yet now we’ve got many schools clamouring to use the tool right away”. The agency’s support has also contributed to a robust talent pipeline from institutions like the University of Otago. "We take four to six student interns and offer over 50% of them full-time positions," says Jonathan, highlighting the importance of nurturing local talent.

Looking ahead, Education Perfect aims to deepen its focus on assessment and AI. "We're thinking very deeply about the role that generative AI can play in education," Jonathan reveals. The company is committed to providing proof points that demonstrate the effectiveness of its tools in driving learning outcomes, making it almost indispensable for schools to adopt its platform.

As Education Perfect expands its global footprint, it adopts a humble and thorough approach. "Before we approach a new country, we take a step back and think, what is the situation in this country?" Jonathan explains. This involves deep investment in understanding local curricula and educational goals, ensuring that their technology adds value to each unique educational landscape.

This leads nicely into some excellent advice for Aotearoa New Zealand companies looking to convert local success into global impact: “What made you big here may not be what works in other countries—understand what needs to be different and why and be conscious about addressing it, for example, with someone in the business who understands how markets develop.”

From its origins in Dunedin to its current status as a global leader in educational technology, Education Perfect exemplifies how innovation, backed by strong support and a clear mission, can transform education. With ambitious plans and a proven track record, the company is poised to continue making a significant impact on education worldwide. 

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