Kumon offers a proven business model, and by buying a Kumon franchise you are establishing a relationship with a successful company. You will be able to use our unique Kumon Method and benefit from our extensive training and support. You will also be able to capitalise on Kumon's existing brand awareness in order to gain a return on your investment.
As a franchisee you get to run your own business, according to a business template designed by Kumon, and use the unique Kumon Method of Learning. The Kumon programmes are designed for students to work independently, with guidance from their Instructor. As the Instructor, your understanding of the programme is vital to the success of your students and you will therefore work through the programme materials as part of your initial and ongoing training.
This is a full-time business opportunity. However, we do recognise you may need another income to support you in your first year. We ask you to work no more than 20 hours in any other employment whilst you start up your franchise.
If you purchase an established study centre from an existing franchisee or open in a commercial or permanent space, we expect a full-time commitment, i.e. a minimum of 40 hours a week, from the outset.
We are interested in people who have a passion for education and the development of children, who want to run their own business and are proficient in maths and English. Full training is provided by Kumon. Our Instructors come from a wealth of different backgrounds, but all successful applicants will be educated to degree level or equivalent, have a full driving licence and have the right to work in the UK. Every potential Instructor must also pass a proficiency test in both maths and English.
Many Instructors are Kumon parents who have seen how valuable the programme is and have decided to join our expanding network.
A study centre opens for class typically two to six days per week; outside of class, your time must be flexible to the needs of your business. As your business grows you may need to extend your class times and add extra days at the centre.
The first six months can be demanding as you are learning about the programmes and also recruiting your students and staff, so you will need to be prepared and highly organised.
When buying a start-up franchise, you will be required to invest a minimum of £3,000. This includes £400 for your initial licence fee, with £2,600 earmarked for marketing over the first 18 months. In addition you will need to make provision for rent and other running costs. In the case of franchise re-sales, a fee is paid to the outgoing Instructor for taking over their business.
The initial training is for six days, split over three periods consisting of two days each, with a two week gap in between each period. Training is held in London or Manchester, depending on the location of your centre. During this training you will be taught all the basics about our unique Kumon programme, running a Kumon centre, and developing your business.
You will also complete assignments and a business plan, for which we will provide you with a template. The whole process takes about two months.
Training continues for the first year while your centre is operational, until you become fully-qualified.
Each available area is listed on our website. Use the search function or our interactive map, on the Open a new study centre page, to find out if the area you are interested in has been identified as a possible area for expansion. We have carried out extensive research to find out where the market is viable for a Kumon centre.
As a Kumon franchisee you are able to use our brand and promotional materials. You will also benefit from our wealth of experience and expertise; this includes adverts, material production and promotional campaigns. You will benefit from our national marketing, the Kumon website, your own microsite and our call centre to refer new enquiries to you.
A Kumon study centre must be suitable for children, of adequate size and condition, and comply with all health and safety legislation. Increasingly our Instructors are moving into retail or commercial office space as this offers high brand visibility, accessibility and signage approval.
There are, however, currently two different business models that Kumon offers to new franchisees: commercial/permanent space and municipal space.
No, only one individual can be the franchisee but if you wanted to employ your partner as your senior class assistant this is fine and many Instructors have adopted this model. Only one person can train per franchise and Kumon will only have one contract with the person who signs the licence agreement.
Yes. A number of existing Kumon centres become available for purchase each year. A current list of the centres for sale can be viewed on this website. If you are interested in one of these centres, please call our call centre on 0800 854 714 for more information. We will then provide you with full details on the application process and direct contact with a Franchise Recruitment Manager who will provide an introduction to the existing Instructor to discuss the purchase.
