Parents want the best for their children, including the best possible educational outcomes. These days, families and educators are increasingly accepting that mainstream education does not suit all children and, as a result, the supplementary education industry is growing rapidly.

For anyone considering a franchise, the sector has much to offer. An important consideration is cost; this is one of the more affordable ways to enjoy the freedom of running your own business, with start-up costs ranging from a little under $50,000.

There is also flexibility in terms of the hours you work, with some systems based around weekend and after-school coaching while others operate within schools and preschools during the day. While a teaching qualification or even experience in education is not always essential, there are obvious basic requirements such as patience and an ability to relate both to children and their parents.

Unlike conventional classroom teachers, franchisees also need basic business skills and need to be willing to devote time to sales and marketing, particularly local area marketing and networking.

“While most franchisors provide high levels of support, attracting clients is ultimately the franchisee’s responsibility, says David Stafford, executive consultant at DC Strategy. “Franchisees also need to be aware that acquiring enough students to achieve critical mass could take some time. While the start-up cost may be comparatively low, it’s vital that you have sufficient working capital to support yourself until you reach that point, which might be a year down the track.”

A responsible franchisor ensures that applicants understand the demands of the job and feel confident that it’s the right choice. As with any other business, due diligence is critical.

Kip McGrath Education Centres

Kip McGrath Education Centres is one of the best-known names in the sector. The system has been operating for over 30 years and there are now more than 680 franchises across 15 countries.

Only qualified teachers are considered and each applicant is subjected to a full security check. Ensuring the right fit for the business means that, on average, the company only awards a franchise to one in three applicants.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that quality education is our top priority,” says sales and marketing director Clint Marquet. Many franchisees are attracted by the flexibility.

“Your working life is no longer ruled by a school bell and a timetable, and there’s no playground duty or related issues to deal with,” Marquet continues.

“You’re also working with students who are willing to work hard to achieve success.” The Kip McGrath Education Centre model teaches children to be independent learners using accelerated learning programs. A range of programs enables franchisees to help both children who are struggling and those who just want to do better.

“This creates fantastic opportunities for growing the business to both current and past students,” says Marquet. “The business really sells itself; when the children are happy and doing well the parents are also happy and they’re quick to tell all their friends about us.”

The franchisor monitors student numbers and visits individual centres to provide support for franchisees.

“A franchisee who follows the business model will succeed,” says Marquet. “People buy a franchise because of its proven and demonstrated success. People who don’t follow the model or business system are the ones who are unsuccessful.”

The biggest challenge to a business the size of Kip McGrath is maintaining brand integrity. “In a competitive world where brand recognition is so important we must have outlets that all look the same with franchisees using exactly the same marketing materials,” says Marquet. “Getting consistency across 680 centres in 15 countries is not easy.”

I Can Read

The ‘I Can Read’ system is based on extensive research conducted by founders Antony Earnshaw and Annabel Seargeant, both of whom are registered Australian educational psychologists. The first centre opened in Singapore in 2000 and there are now over 50 throughout Asia, UAE and Australia.

“In Australia, we commenced about two years ago,” says Seargeant. “We’re still in the early stages of development, so our franchise fees are structured to give potential franchisees a chance to set up without too much expense. They also vary according to area.”

All potential franchisees are carefully screened. “Stable, qualified and sincere teachers are vital,” says Seargeant. “All have teaching degrees and have been thoroughly trained by myself or Tony. It’s also extremely helpful if they’ve had experience running a business and have a genuine interest in education and literacy. Having said that, almost all of our franchisees overseas are suitably-qualified parents, whose children have succeeded with I Can Read. We have done very little advertising to sell franchises.”

Franchisee support includes help with teacher recruitment and training; centre location, set up and signage; materials; intellectual property; and established systems to handle administration.

“In Australia, we find that the most successful centres are in busy shopping areas where the parents have something to do while children are having lessons,” says Seargeant. “There’s also walk-by traffic there and an opportunity for good signage.” Each student is regularly measured to monitor improvement and attainment of outcomes and franchise performance is measured both by enrolments and parental feedback.

“Watching the children improve and gain confidence, talking to concerned and motivated parents who support their children at home with homework, is all part of the job,” says Seargeant. “The good thing about education is that it’s a wonderfully rewarding business. Meanwhile, the system is continually evolving.

“Tony and I are continually upgrading and updating programs to stay in step with requirements in education, what the primary schools expect of children and what the government is doing with respect to literacy,” says Seargeant.

COMPUTERTOTS and COMPUTEREXPLORERS

The debate is no longer whether technology should be taught in schools but how it can be taught most effectively. Many preschools, daycare centres, schools and adult education centres are hard pressed to find the resources for developing the computer curriculum. Computertots and Computerexplorers franchises can help by providing onsite computers, teachers, software and a developmentally appropriate instructional program.

From its beginnings in the US, Computertots and ComputerExplorers has expanded into the UK, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong as well as Australia. The programs are driven by the belief that computers can be an integral part of education; students at more than 3000 centres range in age from three to adult.

According to director Neil Borman, successful franchisees are passionate about computer education. “We also look for people who enjoy networking, sales and marketing and have around 38 hours a week to devote to operating their own business,” he says.

“Owners of a Computertots and ComputeExplorers franchise market technology services; hire, train and supervise teachers who take classes; and manage the operations of the business. It’s a business model that can easily be operated from home.”

At first franchisees sell existing products but new products are constantly being developed and tested. “There’s always something new to offer,” he says. “Schools bring us in to spice up their curriculum or to run basic programs that they don’t have a budget to provide. Our training covers all sorts of software so, as technology advances, the product range we provide is continuously growing.”

Franchisee support includes yearly conferences designed to motivate as well as inform.

“Detailed monthly sales reporting gives us a good idea of where the franchisee strengths and weakness lie,” Borman continues. “HQ also provides regular webinars for support and staff are readily accessible at all times to deal with any needs that may arise for franchisees.”