Middlesbrough-Born Founder Launches Free Educational Poster Hunt for Local Families

A person in a black suit holds a poster in front of their face that reads "Maestro is Hiding Here," featuring a cartoon character holding a magnifying glass.

Academiq Maestro founders Jennifer Ellis and Matthew Calvert supporting the Find Maestro campaign.Jen Ellis and Matthew Calvert

Families across Teesside are being invited to take part in Find Maestro, a free interactive educational poster hunt created by Academiq Maestro, an education company founded by Middlesbrough-born entrepreneur Jennifer Ellis and her partner Matthew Calvert.

Running until the 13th of November 2026, the campaign combines learning, exploration and a little bit of mystery, encouraging children to visit participating community venues and discover hidden Maestro posters.

How Find Maestro Works

When children discover a Find Maestro poster, they can scan its QR code to access a short educational challenge tailored to their school year.

After completing the challenge, participants discover which of five Maestro rarity levels they've found, including the elusive Golden Maestro.

The activity is designed to make learning feel like an adventure while encouraging families to discover community spaces they might not otherwise visit.

Children Can Help Shape an App

One of the most exciting elements of the campaign is the opportunity for children to influence Academiq Maestro's upcoming educational app.

Participants can vote on a feature or design, with the winning choice appearing in the app for a limited time.

This gives children an opportunity to have their voices heard in the development of an educational product intended for learners like themselves.

A Community Initiative

Academiq Maestro was founded by Jennifer Ellis and Matthew Calvert, who grew up in Middlesbrough and are passionate about making education more accessible, engaging and enjoyable.

Find Maestro brings together education and local community engagement, with participating venues helping families discover the activity.

The campaign is open to families with children of different school ages, with challenges tailored to their learning stage.

How to Take Part

Find Maestro is free, and no advance booking is required.

Families can explore the participating locations, discover posters and complete challenges until the 13th of November 2026.

Participating venues and more information can be found on the Find Maestro website.

Filed under Education

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