Small language school with its own space

Families, adult learners and sometimes local businesses wanting staff training.

Term or monthly fees per learner across several classes, plus one-to-one lessons and short courses.

• Teaching or managing teachers
• Running a timetable and enrolments
• Local marketing and customer service

• Lease commitments and fit-out costs, get advice before signing
• Council zoning and planning approval for an education use, check with your local council
• Working with Children Checks for all staff teaching children
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire, plus public liability insurance
• Employee vs contractor rules and award wages, check with the Fair Work Ombudsman
• If you plan to enrol international students on visas, there are separate registration rules, check the requirements first

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on rent and lease terms, fit-out, furniture and teaching materials, marketing and insurance. Get advice before signing any lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on enrolments, class fees, the languages you offer and how many teachers you use. Rent and teacher pay come out of that revenue.

Check council zoning and planning approval for an education use, Working with Children Checks for staff teaching children, workers compensation and public liability insurance, Fair Work rules on employees versus contractors, and separate registration rules if enrolling international students.