Local study centre with tuition

Rent a small unit and offer quiet study space and small-group tuition to local students.

Students working quietly at shared desks in a bright study centre or library.
Startup cost£3k to £12k
Monthly revenue£1k to £5k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeMonths

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

Official data

41,442 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years

SIC 85600 “Educational support services”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.

What it is

A small rented space with desks where students can study quietly or join small-group tuition sessions, often in core subjects and exam preparation.

Your first three steps

  1. Check local demand by looking at nearby tutors and centres, their subjects and their prices
  2. Find a small unit or room to rent on a flexible lease and check the permitted use with the landlord and council
  3. Start with a few small groups in one or two subjects and ask local schools and parent groups to spread the word
Who pays

Parents of primary and secondary pupils, plus sixth formers, college and university students looking for a quiet place to work.

How it makes money

Monthly or termly course fees for tuition groups, plus hourly, day or monthly passes for students who just want study space.

Skills that help
  • Teaching or tutoring in your chosen subjects
  • Organising timetables and bookings
  • Talking confidently with parents and students
Watch out for
  • Check whether the premises have the right planning use class for education or tuition
  • Public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you hire tutors
  • Safeguarding: check whether enhanced DBS checks are appropriate for you and any tutors, and have a safeguarding policy
  • Register with the ICO if you hold pupils' personal data, and check your data protection duties
  • Rent and fixed costs continue in quiet months, so avoid long leases at first

🔒 Full research report for UK

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a study centre in the UK?

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the unit, furniture, fit-out and insurance. These are estimates, and avoiding a long lease at first can help manage fixed costs in quiet months.

How much can a small study centre make?

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many students attend, your session prices and your opening hours. This is an estimate of revenue rather than profit, and rent continues in quiet months.

What rules should I check before opening a tuition centre?

Check the premises have the right planning use class, and consider enhanced DBS checks and a safeguarding policy for you and any tutors. Also check public liability and employer's liability insurance, and ICO registration and data protection duties.

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Photo: erwinbosman on Pixabay

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