French language school with premises

Adult learners, families, schools and employers who sponsor staff training.

Term fees for group classes, hourly fees for private lessons and corporate contracts, with extra income from exam prep and holiday programs.

• Strong French and teaching management
• Marketing and local networking
• Running a small team and budget

• Council approval for change of use, fit-out and signage, so check with your local council before signing a lease
• Public liability insurance and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Check Working with Children Check requirements for every teacher
• Lease commitments and fixed costs if enrolments are slow
• Check whether any registration or accreditation applies to the courses you offer, including for international students

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, signage and teaching resources. Check lease commitments and fixed costs, which can weigh on you if enrolments are slow.

Check with your local council about change of use, fit-out and signage before signing a lease. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire, Working with Children Checks for every teacher, and any course registration or accreditation.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on enrolments, class mix and corporate courses. Hours typically start from around 25 a week, and fixed costs continue if enrolments are slow.