There’s no doubt that Covid-19 had an impact on children’s education.
“The pandemic has affected children mentally and also in their learning,” says Mathnasium director of operations, Samantha Aad. “Technology used for online learning in parts of Australia has been both positive and negative, some students have thrived, while many have struggled and fallen further behind.”
Business opportunities
On the business front, Mohan Dhall, Australian Tutoring Association CEO, says the tutoring market had a strong rebound from the Covid lockdowns up until late June 2021.
“The lockdowns from late June to early November set everyone back a lot,” he says.
“There is expected to be another rebound this year, but no one anticipated Omicron.
There’s quite a lot of uncertainty about opening and closures.”
While the government’s jobs outlook data shows strong growth over the next five years, Mohan believes it is difficult to predict what this will look like. What he can point to is that every bricks and mortar location will need really good online options and support.
“That’s been the biggest nuance over the last year and a half,” he says. “Franchised organisations did not have a great online offer, but that’s changed.”
Potential franchisees should also consider systems and support.
“Business owners will need to look carefully at what content is available and what content support there is – how much investment in ongoing development of curriculum is there? This is a significant driver of enrolments,” Mohan says.
Three tutoring brands discuss potential growth and the keys to their success
Tutor Doctor
Where will the growth come from?
We are in an education crisis that will have a ripple effect for years to come – impacting students’ academic gains, wellbeing and economic prospects. In fact, a recent study by McKinsey & Company found that teachers in Australia reported students were on average two months behind where they would normally have been by November 2020.
What makes your business model successful?
Our service is highly personalised. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all strategy. Through carefully matched tutors and a creative approach tailored to each child, we help students to feel confident and achieve their personal best through in-person and online tutoring.
We are local. Our franchise owners are actively engaged in their local communities – building partnerships, supporting local schools and positively impacting the communities they serve.
More than tutoring. From our X-Skills Program, equipping students with vital life skills and regular session reports that keep parents up to date to our recruitment process bringing in only the best tutors we do so much more than homework help.
Kumon
Where will the growth come from?
Growth will continue to come from all metropolitan markets but, in particular, Sydney and Melbourne as they rebound after the impact of extended lockdowns in the last two quarters of 2021. We are also expanding into regional towns in Victoria and NSW, such as Bendigo, Frankston, Wagga Wagga and Orange, as these are population growth areas.
What makes your business model successful?
Kumon provides what parents are looking for – extracurricular support in mathematics and reading to help young people develop confidence and self-learning abilities. Our business model is kept very simple so franchisees can focus on preparation that relates to the instruction of their students. The royalty includes the cost and free delivery of all worksheets and materials required. There is no additional marketing levy or any hidden fees.
Mathnasium
Where will the growth come from?
Growth will derive from three fundamental areas: parents looking to help children who are currently behind to achieve foundational maths skills; parents who are keen for their child to become a top achiever in maths; and secondary school students who are looking for assistance and support with their school maths program and homework.
What makes your business model successful?
Focusing primarily on children from kindergarten to Year 10, Mathnasium offers year-round learning through our maths-only learning centres. Each centre utilises the Mathnasium Method, an individually customisable educational curriculum that has been created through over 35 years of classroom experience and research. Our goal is to teach children maths in a way that makes sense to them.