Meet the man behind Resident Sigma IB Maths

Mr Mike Herd

Hi — thanks for taking the time to explore Resident Sigma Maths.
This is the part of the site where you can learn a little more about me, my teaching journey, and why Sigma exists.

I trained as a Mathematics teacher at the University of Glasgow, qualifying in 2007, and soon after began what became a decade-long chapter in Shanghai with Yew Chung International School (YCIS). I started in primary, quickly moved into secondary maths, and before long was immersed in IGCSE and — most importantly — the IB Diploma programme, which I instantly fell in love with.

During my time at YCIS I became the first Head of Mathematics at the Pudong campus, developed an accelerated maths programme, and later specialised in IB HL. I also ran a boutique tutoring business in Shanghai before returning to YCIS Puxi, where I helped guide cohorts to the school’s strongest-ever IB Maths HL results — with over 90% of students eventually achieving a 6 or 7.

Alongside classroom teaching, I have worked with the IB as an Assistant Examiner, focusing on AA HL Paper 2. That dual perspective — teacher and examiner — sits at the heart of everything we do at Sigma.

In 2022 I returned to Scotland, teaching A Level, Further Maths, GCSE and now Advanced Higher Mathematics in the state sector. My passion, however, remains firmly with IB Maths, and I continue to work with students worldwide aiming for top grades and entry to elite universities.

IB Maths is still surprisingly under-served in the tutoring world — particularly by qualified classroom teachers who are also examiners. With nearly two decades of experience, a proven track record, and deep insight into the mistakes that cost students marks, I’m well placed to guide ambitious students towards a 6 or 7 with clarity, structure and confidence.

Outside of Sigma, I live in Glasgow with my wife Lucy and our son Lawrie. I’m a big fan of live music, stand-up comedy, and the occasional gig on stage myself — yes, that’s me at the Glee Club.

Have a look around the site, explore our programmes, and feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more about how Sigma could support your child’s IB journey.

Resident Sigma IB Maths Teaching Philosophy

IB Maths should be taught by qualified and experienced teachers.
Understanding the mark scheme, common pitfalls, and how answers are judged is what turns good students into top scorers.

Small groups beat crowded classrooms.
Capped at eight students, our live classes move quickly, stay personal, and focus relentlessly on the thinking examiners reward.

Strategy matters as much as skill.
We don’t just teach content — we teach how to structure solutions, communicate reasoning clearly, and maximise marks under pressure.

Parents deserve clarity.
You’ll receive honest progress updates, clear next steps, and transparency about what’s working and what needs attention.

The Resident Sigma Mandate

At Resident Sigma, we recognise that success in the IB Diploma requires far more than mathematical fluency. It demands a precise understanding of the syllabus, the Internal Assessment, and — crucially — how marks are actually awarded.

Our guiding principle is simple: students deserve to be taught by professional educators.

Every masterclass and weekly group session is led by a fully qualified, IB-trained Mathematics teacher with deep classroom experience and current examiner insight. We hold ourselves to the same professional standards expected of IB World Schools, because anything less would compromise the level of support ambitious students deserve.

This is not generic tutoring.

It is specialist IB preparation — delivered with rigour, clarity, and integrity.

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