Small local tuition centre
Rent a small unit or room and run small-group exam prep classes for local pupils after school and at weekends.
- £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 centre offering small-group classes in subjects such as maths, English, science and exam practice (for example 11+, GCSE and A level), run in a rented unit, office or hall room.
Your first three steps
- Check what local tutors and centres charge and which subjects or exams are in short supply near you
- Find a low-cost space such as a community hall, church room or small unit, and ask about rent and lease terms
- Prepare a short trial programme for one or two year groups and offer free taster sessions to local families
Who pays
Parents and carers paying for their children's tuition, and some older students paying for themselves.
How it makes money
Monthly or termly fees per pupil for weekly group sessions, plus extra income from intensive holiday revision courses and mock exams.
Skills that help
- Teaching or tutoring experience
- Knowing the exam boards and syllabuses
- Organising timetables and groups
- Clear communication with parents
Watch out for
- Enhanced DBS checks for you and any tutors you take on, and a clear safeguarding policy
- Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
- Planning permission or change of use for your premises, plus fire safety and any lease terms, so check with your council and landlord
- Registering with the ICO if you hold pupils' personal data, and following data protection rules
- Income can dip in summer, so plan cash flow around the school year
🔒 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 start a small tuition centre?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your premises, furnishings and resources. These are estimates, so check rent and lease terms before you commit.
How much can a small tuition centre earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on class sizes, how many groups you run and your pricing. Income can dip in summer, so plan cash flow around the school year.
What rules should I check before opening a tuition centre?
Check enhanced DBS checks for you and any tutors, and have a safeguarding policy. Also check insurance, planning permission or change of use, fire safety and lease terms, and whether you need to register with the ICO.
Other ways to run this business
Home-based exam prep classes
Teach small groups of pupils in a spare room at home, focused on exam preparation in your strongest subject.
- £300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online exam prep classes
Run live online revision classes for small groups of pupils, with no premises to rent.
- £100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
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