Local exam preparation centre
Rent a small unit or room and run weekly classes and mock exams for local families.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Own premises
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 tuition centre offering group classes, one-to-one sessions and timed mock exams for entrance and standardised tests, run from rented premises.
Your first three steps
- Research local demand by checking nearby schools, existing centres and parent groups, then choose your exam focus
- Find a room to hire by the hour, such as a community hall, before committing to a lease
- Set up safeguarding policies and DBS checks for yourself and any tutors, then open a first small class
Who pays
Families paying termly or monthly fees for their children's classes, plus fees for mock exams and holiday courses.
How it makes money
Class fees per pupil, billed monthly or by term, with extra income from intensive holiday courses and mock exam days. Employing tutors lets you grow beyond your own hours.
Skills that help
- Teaching and exam knowledge
- Managing and scheduling tutors
- Local marketing and parent communication
Watch out for
- Enhanced DBS checks and a written safeguarding policy for everyone working with children
- Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
- Check planning and permitted use for premises with your council before signing a lease
- Fire safety and risk assessments for premises
- Check any rules that apply to out-of-school settings in your nation
- Fees are often seasonal and tied to exam dates, so plan cash flow
🔒 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 soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open an exam preparation centre?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the premises, furnishings and materials. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at £1,500 to £7,500, depending on class numbers and fees. Fees are often seasonal, so plan cash flow.
What rules should I check before opening a tuition centre?
Check enhanced DBS checks and a written safeguarding policy for everyone working with children. Also check planning and permitted use with your council, fire safety and risk assessments, insurance, and any rules for out-of-school settings in your nation.
How much time does running a tuition centre take?
Estimates suggest from around 20 hours a week. You will need teaching and exam knowledge, the ability to schedule and manage tutors, and good parent communication and local marketing. Employer's liability insurance may be needed once you hire staff.
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