We have heard many success stories from teachers who left the classroom to become franchisees. You can read about their varied journies and their reasons for swapping teaching for becoming a business owner on our Inspiring Stories blog page.
We thought we would ask some of our franchisors what their opinion was about teachers leaving teaching to work for them. The Outdoors Project, Magic Link Handwriting, Key Sounds Music and Nature Makers have shared their thoughts.
Do Teachers Make Good Franchisees?
Strong Local Community Networks
“There are several reasons why teachers make great franchisees. Firstly, they’re passionate about the physical and mental development of children. This is the primary reason teachers enter the profession and this is what will drive them to create a fantastic business based on the same goal.
Secondly, teachers understand the school environment. As a franchise which relies on building relationships with schools, knowing how and when to talk to school administration and faculty will greatly help in developing these crucial relationships. Related to this, is the third reason they make great franchisees – they have strong local community networks. Particularly in the initial stages of launching your business, your local connections in the community will allow you to build immediate awareness and help with recruiting quality staff. Fourthly, they’re great staff managers. They’re used to working with a team and understand the importance of motivating people and the effect this has on the children’s experience.
Lastly, teachers make good franchisees because most of them just want to have fun with kids. They really enjoy their company and want to see them feeling happy, accepted and part of an inclusive club. This results in kids coming back again and again, and telling their friends about this exciting new type of holiday club.” The Outdoors Project
Teachers Understand The Importance Of Positive Difference
At Little Voices, many of our most successful franchisees started their careers in teaching. They are organised, passionate, energetic, and accustomed to balancing multiple responsibilities whilst putting children at the heart of everything they do. They already understand safeguarding, communication, planning, leadership and relationship-building, all skills that transfer naturally into running a successful Little Voices franchise. For many, franchising offers the opportunity to continue making a positive difference to children’s lives whilst building something of their own and creating more flexibility for their family.
Sammi Panesar-Vale had over 10 years’ experience teaching children in a variety of settings before joining Little Voices as a franchisee in May 2025. She says: “Being a Little Voices franchisee is a dream come true. I get to combine two of my greatest passions – performing arts and transforming the lives of young people!”
Rachel Bradshaw had a successful career in teaching, stepping down from her role as Deputy Head of Sixth Form when her daughter was born. She has now been running her thriving Little Voices franchise since 2015. Rachel says: “Little Voices has given me the perfect chance of combining my love and passion for teaching with building a successful business which is not only changing my life but the lives of my children.”
For 11 years, Laura Hanlon worked as a primary school teacher whilst nurturing a passion for drama and singing. After investing in her Little Voices franchise, she realised that was where she wanted her focus to be and made the leap into running the business full-time. Today, she continues to use her teaching skills every day, helping children develop confidence, communication skills and self-belief through the performing arts. Little Voices
Teachers Trade Hours For Income
“At Key Sounds Music, we believe teachers are not just well-suited to be franchisees — they’re ideal. One of the core advantages our franchise offers is access to up-to-date, expertly designed resources that span all ability levels and learning styles.
For educators accustomed to spending hours tailoring lesson plans, this is a game-changer. Our structured yet flexible approach means teachers can shift their focus from survival-mode teaching to strategic leadership, allowing them to grow a local business while still impacting students in meaningful ways.
Teachers also instinctively align with our 3C Philosophy: building confidence, communication, and community. These are values educators champion daily, but often struggle to scale alone. As solo tutors, teachers typically trade hours for income, leaving little time to build something sustainable.
With our model, they can transition from isolated instruction to leading a passionate team, creating a hub where music education thrives beyond the limits of their personal schedule. At our founding locations in Harrow and Hillingdon, we’ve proven how quickly this community-centred model grows with the right leadership at the helm.
Finally, teachers are lifelong learners — a trait that aligns perfectly with our growth tools, automation systems, and proprietary teaching methods. One of our own teachers, Cesar Saura, shared that “I am already a better teacher thanks to Key Sounds. There is no equivalent or substitute for this in any of the schools I have taught or have taught in.” That speaks volumes.”
With our nearly decade-long proven model and commitment to professional development, educators don’t just find a business opportunity here — they find a place to evolve.
Freedom To Develop Their Skills
“Yes absolutely! In fact, now over 85% of my team are ex-teachers who swapped the classroom for nature!
They are incredibly passionate about teaching children about our precious planet and do it in a fun and engaging way. They understand the children and how they learn and are given the freedom to develop their skills in their own way rather than following a rigid curriculum or performing for Ofsted.
They are incredibly organised and look for solutions to problems.
They support others too and work really well within the team supporting the other Franchisees to also reach their full potential which is wonderful to see.” Faye Smith – Nature Makers
Teachers Are Integral To Franchising
It is wonderful to read how our trusted franchisors value the skills teachers have acquired; teachers have become an integral part of their business.
We know how amazing teachers are and how many skills are developed in the classroom. Those teachers who are keen to run their own business with the support of a recognised brand, franchising could be for you.
Learn More
If you would like a franchise that is more akin to teaching, then do read our blog, 5 Reasons That A Tutoring Franchise Is A Perfect Option For Teachers, where we hear advice from educational franchises.
At Those Who Can, we pride ourselves on only working with franchises that have community, teaching and learning at their heart. You can search for your perfect franchise on our carefully curated Franchise Opportunity page.
If you would like to learn more about franchising and if it’s a good fit for you, please visit our blog A Comprehensive Guide To Franchising For Teachers. Alternatively, contact one of our many fantastic franchises directly to see if their business model is something that resonates with you!
