Educational Franchises: A Perfect Fit for Teachers Leaving the Classroom

Thinking about leaving the classroom but not quite ready to leave education behind entirely? You're not alone. More and more teachers are stepping away from traditional teaching and choosing franchising as a flexible, fulfilling alternative.

So what actually is franchising? In simple terms, it means running your own business using someone else's brand, training, and resources. Think of it like setting up a classroom, but someone's already sorted the displays, lesson plans, and behaviour policy. All you have to do is teach (or in this case, run the business). You get to be your own boss, but you're not doing it all from scratch.

For ex-teachers, franchising can be a brilliant next step. It gives you freedom and flexibility, lets you work with children and stay connected to education, and (best of all) you can usually work in your own local area and choose your own hours.

But the key is choosing a franchise that plays to your strengths and interests. What do you love doing? What are you good at? What type of children or schools do you want to work with?

We've pulled together a list of some of the main types of education-related franchises, along with their pros and cons, for teachers looking to reduce stress and gain flexibility.

Tutoring Franchises

Tutoring is one of the most popular choices for teachers leaving the profession. Whether it's one-to-one, small group, or online sessions, there are plenty of tutoring franchises out there to choose from.

• Pros: Usually familiar content. Get to use your expertise and experience. Quick to get set up and started. Often good earning potential depending on your area.

• Cons: Many evenings and weekends required. Reliant on parental commitment. Often involves working with children who are struggling or stressed or demanding parents.

Some examples include: First Class Learning, Success Tutoring and Tutor Doctor,

Outdoor Franchises

From sports to forest school, outdoor franchises get you out in the fresh air and away from marking and meetings. Whether you're a serious sportsperson, love playing games or just being out in the woods all year round, there are plenty of established options to choose from.

• Pros: Active, fun, and great for mental health. Great for EYFS and primary specialists. Chance to do and teach a sport or activity that you love. Opportunity to build a large team with multiple locations and staff.

• Cons: Weather dependent (obviously), and not for you if you’re more of a cosy-corner-and-cup-of-tea type. Often lots of competition from other providers. Usually holiday clubs a big part of the business.

Some examples include Cricket Tots, Leapfrog Sports, and Little Muddy Boots.

Classroom Education Franchises (STEM, Phonics, Reading)

These franchises let you bring high-quality learning into schools without the drain of being a classroom teacher. Inventors & Makers is one UK example, delivering STEM workshops and clubs without the stress of planning, behaviour management or assessment and without any STEM experience required. Other franchises may have you going into schools or nurseries to focus on reading or phonics in a fun and engaging way.

• Pros: Keep making a difference to children. Stay connected to education. Often term-time only. No need to do parties or clubs in the holidays unless you want to. Your expertise is valued and respected. Your customers are mostly teachers, just like you.

• Cons: School-year based income unless you choose to run during holidays. Need to be confident leading sessions independently and learning new content. Many STEM franchises are US-based and require expensive equipment or venues.

Some examples include Inventors & Makers, Phonics with Robot Reg, The Reading Doctor.

Languages, Music & Art Franchises

If you’ve got skills in one of these areas, there are lots of franchises working with nurseries and young children that might suit you down to the ground and give you lots of flexibility.

• Pros: Creative and joyful sessions. Often in high demand, especially in early years settings. Get to use your expertise and passion every day. Lots of established franchises with many franchisees already on board.

• Cons: Need to be confident in your subject area. Must be comfortable performing or leading energetic group sessions. Sometimes may not have as high an earning capacity as other types of franchise.

Some examples include: Dot Kids Art, KidsLingo, and Music Squad.

Dance or Drama Franchises

Some of the biggest and most sucessful franchises in the UK focus on dance and drama. They often include opportunities for holiday clubs and birthday parties too.

• Pros: High energy and fun sessions. Often community-focused rather than in schools or nurseries. Lots of chance to perform yourself. Potential to build large teams of staff with multiple locations.

• Cons: Demands lots of enthusiasm and performance skills. Evening, weekend and holiday work is common. Dealing with staff turnover of performance industry staff.

Some examples include: diddi dance, Drama Kids, and Jigsaw Performing Arts.

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Whatever you choose, it’s important to do your research. Think carefully about your strengths, your passions, and the lifestyle you want to create. Not all franchises are created equal, and the best one for you is the one that makes you excited to get up in the morning (and doesn’t make you cry into your coffee at 7am).

Leaving teaching doesn’t mean leaving education behind. With the right franchise, you can take the best bits of teaching, leave the rest, and build something that works for you.