The Education Business Podcast

The Education Business Podcast

The Education Business Podcast is for educational consultants, small education-based business owners, Edtech providers and workshop leaders focused on providing education services to schools, as well as for teachers transitioning to freelancing with an entrepreneurial business idea. Growing and scaling a business that provides a service to schools and education requires a different skillset and inside knowledge to many other entrepreneurial ventures. In this podcast Claire Riley, CEO of Classroom Secrets and host of The Teachers' Podcast, shares what it takes to market and pitch your services to this sector. Find out exactly what headteachers and teachers are looking for, and why building a personal brand matters in your marketing and how you can grow your education business.

Episodes

September 29, 2025 49 mins

Navigating Education Business: From Redundancy to Resilience

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, co-founder Claire Riley of Classroom Secrets interviews Curtis, an education business veteran, about his unconventional journey into the sector.

Curtis, born in The Bahamas and raised in the Cayman Islands, transitioned from an IT project management career to publishing educational materials, initially motivated by his mo...

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Strategies for Effective Planning in Your Education Business

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the importance of planning in advance for education business founders and owners.

She shares her own challenging experiences with time management and provides practical advice on how to effectively plan day-to-day operations and meetings as your team grows.

Emp...

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From Teacher to Education Entrepreneur: Emma's Journey and Insights

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Emma, a former part-time primary school teacher who transitioned into running 'Is It Time to Play?', an educational resource website specialising in play-based learning for early years teachers.

Emma shares her journey of leaving teaching in 2022 due to burn...

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Growing Your Education Business with Integrity

This episode of the Education Business Podcast, hosted by Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, explores the importance of authenticity and integrity in promoting your education business.

Claire discusses the pitfalls of pretending to be someone else in promotional activities, the legal implications of fake reviews, and emphasises the need for personal development if you feel ...

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Balancing Motherhood and Business: Insights from an Education Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley welcomes back Karen, founder of Mind Marvels, to discuss her journey of balancing motherhood and running an education business.

Karen shares her experiences from the past nine months since having her daughter Alice, including the challenges and rewards of managing both roles. They delve int...

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Understanding Employee Motivation in Education Businesses

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, Claire Riley, discusses the importance of understanding why potential employees want to join your education business.

She reflects on her early experiences as an employer and emphasises the necessity of finding candidates who genuinely bring value to the company, rather than just fulfilling t...

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Overcoming Challenges in Education Business: Insights from Heather's Entrepreneurial Journey

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley interviews Heather, a co-founder and seasoned education business owner. 

Heather recounts her journey from an uncertain post-university period to discovering her passion for teaching in Japan, and eventually transitioning to starting her own business. She shares valua...

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Maximise Your Education Business: The Importance of Founder's Days

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the significance of having 'founder's days' for education business owners.

She shares insights from her experience and the positive impact these dedicated days have had on her business, from addressing backlog tasks to facilitating strategic planning.

Sponsore...

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Leveraging Social Media and Lived Experience: Growing an Education Business

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Martin, a former primary school teacher turned successful business owner.

Martin shares his journey from teaching to creating a thriving Instagram presence focused on education and fitness. The discussion highlights the importance of lived exper...

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Setting Effective Boundaries in Your Education Business

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the importance of setting boundaries for education business founders and owners.

Claire shares a personal anecdote about her early tutoring days when she struggled with boundary setting, which led to a misuse of her resources by a neighbour. The story underscores th...

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Building a Successful Education Business and Staying True to Your Passion

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Sharon, a former teacher turned successful franchise owner of Connexus Tuition.

Sharon shares her journey from teaching to becoming a national business leader, discussing the challenges and insights she gained along the way. They delve into topics like...

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Importance of External Advisors in Education Businesses

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, discusses the challenges of seeking and utilising advice within an education business.

She emphasises the importance of having external advisors who can offer neutral, unbiased guidance, as opposed to internal team members who may have personal agendas. Riley shares insights ...

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Balancing Passions and Parenthood: Ruth's Journey from Teacher to Education Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, speaks with Ruth about her inspiring transition from a dedicated teacher to a thriving education entrepreneur.

Ruth shares her early passion for teaching, fostered by a family deeply embedded in education, and her quick rise to senior leadership ro...

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This episode marks the second of a series that will feature on the Education Business Podcast. What do you need to know about legals in your education business at the moment?


You will learn about:

What's changing in UK employment law

DfE's AI commitment

Ofsted reforms for MATs

R&D Credit clawbacks

Resources:

The Commercial Education Brief: https://www.freeths.co.uk/insights-events/legal-articles/2024/commercial-education-br...

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In this episode I chat with Jenny Cooke, founder of Oddizzi, to learn about her journey from teaching into entrepreneurship.

You will learn:

The importance of brand.

Why you should stay true to your passion.

How to stand out in a saturated market.


Resources:

Join the Education Business Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/educationbusinessclub

My website: https://www.educationb...

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In this episode I chat with Laura McInerney, founder of Teacher Tapp, to learn about her journey from teaching into journalism and entrepreneurship.

You will learn:

That tenacity is an important trait

Why data points are useful in your business and how to find out more

Resources:
Book a 1:1 Business Coaching Power Hour with me: https://calendly.com/claire-riley-ebc/business-coaching-hour

Join E...

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August 26, 2024 7 mins

In this episode we discuss 7 reasons why you need to have a 3-5 year plan for your business.

You will learn:


Who the plan is for

Why it's important to have one

How it can help you turn your business into an asset


Resources:


Book a 1:1 Business Coaching Power Hour with me: https://calendly.com/claire-riley-ebc/business-coaching-hour

Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationbusinessclub.co.uk/join-education-busi...

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In this episode I chat with Laura Summers, founder of The Book Machine, to learn from her key lessons in the transition from teacher to entrepreneur.

You will learn:

Different ways to juggle kids and a business

The benefits of growing a team slowly

Resources:
Book a 1:1 Business Coaching Power Hour with me: https://calendly.com/claire-riley-ebc/business-coaching-hour

Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationbusinessclu...

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This episode is a bit of fun which you'll find relatable as a business owner... all the things you weren't expecting but are actually reality when you run your own business!

You will learn:

That perceptions vs reality are totally different things

Resources:

Book a 1:1 Business Coaching Power Hour with me: https://calendly.com/claire-riley-ebc/business-coaching-hour

Join Education Business Club: ht...

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This episode marks the first of a series that will feature on the Education Business Podcast. What do you need to know about legals in your education business at the moment?


You will learn:

What's changing for terms and conditions in subscription businesses

Using AI in schools and with children

Getting reviews for your business - legally

Resources:

The Commercial Education Brief: https://www.freeths.co.uk/insights-events/legal-...

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