Sarah Kaye School is Easy Kingston, Wimbledon and Sutton What do you like most about working for a start-up? Personally, the opportunities to positively impact the lives of those in my community are endless. The pandemic has hit many families hard and unfortunately, some students (young and mature), have also experienced the same level of struggle academically. This is my opportunity to make a difference by offering impactful help when it is most needed.
What has been your greatest business success to date?
Tell us a bit about your business? We are a family’s educational partner, providing personalised tutoring based on the student’s needs and aspirations. Who we are teaching is just as important as what we are teaching. That is why we prioritise fully understanding a student’s struggles, background and goals. We keep it simple – we deliver results – we make the perfect match between student and tutor. Supporting your child should not be a mystery and knowing how to do it should not be a burden.
What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?
A year 11 student felt overwhelmed, frustrated and under pressure. Online and distance learning was exacerbating her pain when it came to preparing for her Maths GCSE. After matching her with the perfect tutor for her, she moved from working at a grade 3 (D) to a grade 6 (B) in Maths. She attributes her progress to the tutor she was assigned.
What has been your lowest moment? Every difficult period has been an opportunity to learn, grow and master a skill that was previously unfamiliar. Making the transition from education to business has had its challenges, but the team I am surrounded by continues to be a source of strength and encouragement.
Value first. We provide value in several ways: from taking a deep dive into the student’s history, concerns and needs to communicating consistently with the family. We guarantee that your child will meet their goals and we are committed to making it happen.
What motivated you to set up in business? As a teacher and mother, I fully appreciate the stress, anxiety and pressure placed upon families when it comes to education. I firmly believe that excellent education opens doors in ways students often cannot imagine. As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to do better and to provide the help needed at the right time. Students should not settle for mediocrity if they can excel. That’s my job: to provide one to one tutoring that facilitates growth in every area, from learning study skills to mastering content. It all matters.
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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community
In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next year 5 years? In the next 5 years, the future of SIE Kingston, Wimbledon and Sutton lies in serving those who have been failed by the system. We all know that traditional education puts an immense focus on exams, assessments and tests. As important as they are, so is your child’s ability to become a life-long learner. Developing an understanding of how to learn, revise and develop your ability to think critically, all have a profound effect on a person’s life.
What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business? Research. Research the field, the company and those who operate in that company. Know exactly what the expectations are, monetarily and professionally, and ensure the support you need will be provided. I am personally surrounded by an incredibly supportive and committed team of professionals in my franchise. I am so grateful. Although the company is very much my own, I am also part of a team that I trust and appreciate. It is the best of both worlds.
