Ever Thought About Running Educational Workshops Yourself?

As teachers, we spend years researching and then inviting visitors into our
classrooms - STEM specialists, sports coaches, theatre groups etc. You might have sometimes wondered: What would it be like to do that job instead?

For many, the idea of stepping out of the classroom but staying in education is
hugely appealing. You still get to inspire children and work with schools, but without marking piles, late-night planning or endless meetings and data drops. That's why more and more teachers are looking at education franchises in the UK as a flexible next step.

What is a Teaching Franchise?

A teaching franchise lets you run your own business under an established education
brand. Think of it like being given a classroom that's already set up - displays, lesson plans and systems in place - all you do is step in and run it. With franchising, you're the boss, but you're never on your own.

For teachers, this offers a way to stay connected to education, work with children, and build a more flexible lifestyle that works for you and your family.

Types of Education Franchises for Teachers

There are lots of different ways to run workshops or clubs in schools or the local
community. Here are some of the most popular franchise opportunities for teachers leaving the classroom.

1. STEM & Other Classroom Learning Franchises

Franchises like Inventors & Makers allow you to deliver hands-on workshops and
after-school clubs in primary schools and often nurseries too, without the pressures
of being a full-time teacher. You generally don't need a specialist background as the resources, training and support are all provided.

While Inventors & Makers focuses on STEM, other classroom-based franchises can
focus on phonics, reading or early literacy.

Pros:

• Stay in education and keep making an impact
• Usually term-time only (holidays optional)
• Work directly with teachers who understand your expertise

Cons:

• Income generally follows the school year unless you add holiday clubs
• Need to feel confident learning and then delivering sessions solo

Examples: Inventors & Makers, Phonics with Robot Reg, The Reading Doctor.

2. Tutoring Franchises

Tutoring franchises are a natural and very popular next step for teachers. These
focus on one-to-one or small-group tuition, often after school or online and there are plenty of options to choose from all over the country.

Pros:

• Use your subject knowledge straight away
• Quick to get started
• High demand across the UK

Cons:

• Evenings and weekends required
• Reliant on parents' commitment and demands
• Often working with children under pressure

Examples: Tutor Doctor, First Class Learning, Success Tutoring.

3. Outdoor & Sports Franchises

If you'd rather swap the classroom for the outdoors, sports and forest school-style
franchises are popular choices. Whether you're a serious sports-person anyway or
just prefer teaching outdoors, many established franchise brands offer opportunities to get you into the fresh air.

Pros:

• Active and fun - great for wellbeing
• Popular in EYFS and primary
• Opportunity to scale with multiple sites

Cons:

• Weather dependent
• Competitive market
• Many rely on running holiday clubs

Examples: Leapfrog Sports, Cricket Tots, Little Muddy Boots.

4. Creative Franchises (Languages, Music & Art)

For teachers with a passion for music, art or languages, these franchises provide
joyful, creative sessions, usually within the early years or younger primary pupils.
Many of these franchises also offer community classes, giving you the opportunity for regular day-time work with parents and children.

Pros:

• High demand in nurseries
• Use your talents every day
• Fun, energetic sessions

Cons:

• Requires confidence in your subject
• May involve performing or high-energy delivery
• Earnings potential varies

Examples: KidsLingo, Dot Kids Art, Music Squad.

5. Dance & Drama Franchises

Performing arts are a big part of the education franchise UK market, often including clubs, workshops and holiday camps, as well as the chance to run extras like birthday parties too.

Pros:

• High-energy, community-focused sessions
• Lots of opportunities to perform
• Potential to run a large team and scale

Cons:

• Requires enthusiasm and performance skills
• Evenings/weekends are common
• High staff turnover possible

Examples: diddi dance, Jigsaw Performing Arts, Drama Kids.

Finding the Right Education Franchise

If you're a teacher considering leaving the classroom, an education business
franchise can be the perfect balance: you keep the joy of working with children and
schools, but gain the freedom to design your own career.

Think about your passions, strengths, and lifestyle. Do you want to run outdoor clubs?

Tutor in the evenings? Or deliver workshops in schools during term time? There's no one-size-fits-all, but the right teaching franchise could transform your future.

Run STEM Workshops with Inventors & Makers

If you love the idea of delivering creative, hands-on STEM workshops and
after-school clubs in schools, Inventors & Makers might be exactly what you're
looking for. We provide:

• All the training and resources you need (no STEM expertise required)
• A supportive community of like-minded ex-teachers
• A flexible, term-time business model designed around family life

Learn more about franchising with Inventors & Makers here

Author Bio
Laura Cross is an ex-primary teacher and now founder and franchisor of Inventors &
Makers, delivering STEM workshops and clubs to children from age 2-11 in schools and nurseries. She helps teachers rediscover their joy for teaching, on their own terms, with fully supported franchising opportunities all over the UK.