Start the New Year with a new career and open your own Kumon centre!

The start of a new year prompts many people to reflect on what is most important to them and is a common time for people to think more about their career and lifestyle. For many, this time of reflection will lead to them considering their current career path, maybe even thinking that now is the time to pursue the dream of starting a business. As we explore the opportunities that 2025 brings, will you be considering your options for a refreshing new start?

Perhaps you’re considering a new career in education, but feel that traditional classroom teaching isn’t quite right for you? Whilst undoubtedly a rewarding job, we’ve all – at some point or other – come across teachers who feel frustrated by the constraints of negotiating a ‘one size fits all’ classroom approach and the long, inflexible working hours. For many professionals seeking a new career within education, Kumon offers the ideal solution: the opportunity to make a real difference to children’s lives through offering individualised, tailored support; all whilst enjoying the flexibility of being their own boss and organising their working life to fit around family commitments.

Kumon is a global brand with a well-established business model, delivering after-school maths and English programmes to over 50,000 children throughout the UK and Ireland, in more than 600 local study centres. Anouska Leckie, who was seeking a career change following 17 years working in a primary school, became the proud business owner and Instructor of the Kumon Cardiff, Grangetown Study Centre in 2019. She told us,

“I wanted to find something where I could transfer my skills. I was really attracted to the idea of having my own centre where I could provide an individualised programme for children; see them grow and really get to know the children as well. I would really highly recommend Kumon, and I would say to anybody – come and have a look for yourself! See the students working, see how much they’re progressing, their enjoyment, confidence, and motivation. It’s something I really am passionate about.”

Previous teaching experience, whilst advantageous, is not a requirement for becoming a Kumon Instructor. The role is open to ambitious, child-focussed professionals from all backgrounds seeking a new challenge and the opportunity to be their own boss.

Caroline Sam, a former Chartered Accountant, opened the Kumon Leigh-on-Sea Study Centre during the pandemic in July 2020. Like many new Kumon Instructors, she had no prior marketing or teaching experience but, with the support of her Head Office regional team, Kumon’s pre-launch marketing package, comprehensive training in the Kumon programmes and her drive to succeed, Caroline’s new business has flourished ever since and her centre numbers continue to grow every month. She told us,

“Once my children were both full-time at school, I was keen to start up a business of my own which would be flexible and rewarding. My Kumon centre has been growing so well through word-of-mouth; I pride my business on being very friendly and approachable. I care a lot about every student and always ensure they are happy, and that parents understand their child’s learning path. I just love seeing the smiles on my students’ faces when they complete their work and are proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Financially, running a thriving Kumon centre can be very rewarding. The initial investment fee required for opening a new centre, just £3,000, is one of the lowest asked for by any UK franchise, meaning that new Instructors can get up and running without the worry of a significant upfront outlay.

Many see the new year as a time of opportunity and a chance to make a fresh start. This is the perfect time to step into a refreshing new career, one that puts you in the driving seat of your work-life balance, and helps you positively influence the future prospects of children in your community.

If you’re interested in finding out more about starting your own business as a Kumon Instructor, you can check your suitability and submit an enquiry form here.

You can also listen to what existing Kumon Instructors have to say about their job here.