Online language classes

Adult learners paying for themselves, parents of school pupils, and some employers who want staff trained.

Per-lesson fees or a termly or monthly course fee. Group classes earn more per hour than one-to-one lessons once you have enough students.

• Fluent in the language you teach
• Clear, patient teaching
• Comfortable with video tools and simple marketing

• Teaching qualifications such as a TEFL or similar are not always legally required, but many students look for them, so check what suits your market
• If you teach under-18s, check safeguarding expectations and consider an enhanced DBS check
• Check whether public liability or professional indemnity insurance is worth having
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records for Self Assessment
• Check the copyright terms of any textbooks or materials you use in class

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £100 to £1,000, depending on your video tools, teaching materials and marketing. With no premises to rent, you avoid room hire. Check whether insurance is worth having.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on how many students you teach and how many lessons you run. Hours typically start at around 6 a week.

Teaching qualifications such as TEFL are not always legally required, but many students look for them, so check what suits your market. If you teach under-18s, check safeguarding expectations and consider an enhanced DBS check.