Kumon is a trusted, iconic business in the field of education, and has built an enviable reputation over the past 40 years in Australia.

The education business is known globally for its structured approach to teaching the foundations of English and mathematics.

In 1954 its founder, Toru Kumon, set out to improve his son’s mathematical capabilities with a series of worksheets.

That paternal initiative blossomed into a Japanese success story that has gone global.

“Worldwide everyone knows Kumon,” says Christopher Melrose, deputy general manager of Kumon Australia and New Zealand.

Christopher joined in 1990 and has been a part of building the business in the Asia-Pacific.

At that time Kumon had been in Australia six years but was just a small operation. Today the footprint stretches to 304 franchises across Australia and New Zealand.

Christopher says a huge demand in Australia for supplementary maths and reading programs is key to the brand’s growth.

“I don’t think that’s changed over time. Parents really want to boost their kids comprehension and calculation abilities.

“Our product is internationally tried and tested; everybody knows about the work sheets. Kumon is a brand people trust.”

Parent appeal

The individualised program which allows students to progress at their own pace can often pitch a child beyond their school grade level which is a big benefit to parents.

“Kids come with varying abilities, they get slotted in at the right point and they can develop at their own pace,” explains Christopher.

While that founding principle remains, Kumon has refined its product to optimise student learning.

“There’s a whole team of developers continually revising material. We collect study data globally and track how students progress through the materials.

“Any sticking points get revised and improved so students can move through smoothly. In my time, the maths program has been completely revised,” says Christopher.

Early benefits

Historically the majority of children starting Kumon programs were primary school students in grades three to five.

Parents were spotting gaps in their education at school, says Christopher. Now the enrolment age is lowering to pre-school.

“Parents are bringing their kids earlier to advance them. It’s been a real shift for us. Children who start earlier can progress more smoothly and become advanced more quickly. Parents see the benefits of the program and keep their kids with Kumon longer.”

Christopher says Kumon’s role is to promote confidence in its students and highlight that academic achievement really starts with basic calculation and strong reading comprehension ability.

“This is the foundation for developing confident students,” he says.

Kumon adds digital for a strong future

Last year Kumon has launched Kumon Connect, a digital offering that takes the business to a new, more flexible space.

When parents enrol, they receive all worksheets digitally for the student to complete on a tablet a stylus. There is quick marking and feedback, and the system allows for easy program alterations.

This brilliant new development reduces the brand’s reliance on customers being able to attend physical centres, and takes Kumon to a wider audience, says Christopher.

“We will be able to reach students in areas where there is no physical centre and provide access for parents who can’t get their kids to a centre twice a week.

“The program is still instructor-based. The instructor designs the program and communicates with families, all that has changed is a digitalised delivery, and it is more convenient for everyone,” he says.

“This is in the early days; we’ve just launched it. But it could open up smaller centres with larger student numbers. Centres can offer both print and digital programs.

“Our plan is to bring 130 of our franchises on to Kumon Connect this year.”

Kumon growth after 40 years

And after four decades in Australia, Kumon is at an interesting developmental stage. It has 304 centres and plans to open another 14 centres this year.

“Growth is important, we are looking forward to expanding, and welcoming new franchisees into the network,” says Christopher.

“There are a lot of franchisees in retirement phase so we also have a number of centres for sale,” he adds.

It’s the ideal business for anyone keen to contribute to children’s education and enjoy the rewards of running their own business.

Kumon supports franchisees at all levels, from training through centre set-up to ongoing learning and networking opportunities.

“The local franchisee (the instructor) is the face of Kumon and we need people with nurturing attributes, who want to make a difference.

“Our model suits owner operators who connect with their customers, someone who wants to prioritise their contribution to community,” says Christopher.

It’s an exciting time to join.

While the business is ready to bring new franchisees on board, it has shown franchisees have plenty of growth potential at a local level.

Christopher says the business grew by six per cent last year, on 2022’s figures, without the total number of centres increasing.

“The company is profitable, it is profitable for franchisees, and there is a huge demand. This is an exciting time for Kumon,” he says.