Q&A with Sarah Capewell, Founder of Aster Academy

With nearly two decades of educational expertise, I've supported over 150 students towards success in prestigious UK day and boarding schools.

But I craved more freedom, so I took the plunge. Leaving behind my role as Head of English in 2021, I started my own tutoring business, Aster Tuition, and there's been no looking back. Not long after starting my business, I realised that I wanted to work in the daytime and not just the usual tutoring slots of evenings and weekends. That was the moment I decided to pursue international tutoring - with a focus on S.E. Asia, as it meant I could choose the hours to suit me and my family.

Now, I work on my own terms, free from the limitations of working within a school setting. I work 3 mornings a week and I have Fridays completely to myself. None of this was possible before I left my full time job. This flexibility has not only enriched my professional life but also enhanced my personal well-being. I get to be present with my family and do what I want to do.

I am passionate about helping other educators achieve the same level of success and freedom. At Aster Academy, I share my proven strategies and comprehensive knowledge, empowering tutors to build thriving, international tutoring businesses and gain the confidence to nurture, grow, and flourish in the global market.

What is one of the advantages of being a tutor?

As a teacher, I often experienced the challenges of managing a large classroom. One of the significant advantages of tutoring is the ability to provide individualised attention to each student. You’re able to cater to each student's needs and pace and it’s a pleasure to witness remarkable progress and see the direct impact of your efforts. It’s been one of the many highlights of my job and I love nothing more than seeing students thriving in my classes.

What does a typical week look like?

I have regular tutees but I also have lots of time to work on other projects and do the day-to-day work that comes with running a busy tutoring business. I love setting my own schedule. I’m not beholden to someone else’s time or expectations. I set the timetable and it means I can be as flexible as I want.

Which means having afternoons to myself (usually it’s with the good intention of going for a run, but more often than not it’s to have coffee and cake with a friend!)

How do I organise holidays and times off?

Since setting up Aster Tuition, I haven’t felt the need to take many weeks off a year. I’m nowhere near as tired or drained as I used to be so I don’t have the same desire to spend weeks decompressing from the long hours and demands of being a full time teacher. I schedule breaks and time off throughout a typical week and I always give myself time to read (my number one hobby) and lots of time to spend with my family (and given that my partner lives overseas, that’s a must for me!) As long as you’re organised, time off is easy to plan.

What have you learned since setting up Aster Tuition?

That being a teacher was fantastic preparation for my new role as I was already adept at juggling many jobs; prioritising tasks and working to multiple deadlines!

But I realised that I knew very little about how to run a business. I’ve had to learn how to market my business, build a brand, manage a website, set up an invoicing system, get to grips with HR and much more besides. Investing in quality support and reaching out to experts has been integral to the growth of my business.

6-month mentoring programme

Aster Academy's 6-month programme is designed to mentor tutors in building a successful international tutoring business and empowering them . Gain the confidence to nurture, grow, and thrive in the international market with our comprehensive curriculum designed for ambitious tutors.

Nurture Your

Tutoring Potential

Dive deep into your core values, set clear intentions, and master your mindset to create a solid foundation for your international tutoring business.

Grow Your

Global Presence

Learn advanced marketing strategies, build a strong online presence, and develop a unique brand that resonates with international clients.

Thrive in the

International Market

Expand your business with targeted insights into different markets, build meaningful relationships, and implement proven strategies.

I want to find out more

Hear from others who made the leap...

Linda

Having worked in a classroom for more than 20 years, including time in headship, I cannot believe the satisfaction I now get from developing relationships and seeing progress in personalised 1:1 lessons with students. It’s so individualistic; I develop confidence and target their specific needs. Over the last 20 years or so, there has been a surge of adults choosing to have life coaches and personal trainers. Individualised learning and teaching maximises potential. I feel that I can continue to get so much pleasure in delivering this new way of easy and accessible learning.

Neil

I’ve been working as a private tutor for a number of years, initially on a face-to-face basis in student’s homes, but for the last three years online. Afer a long career in secondary education, this role has helped me retain all the positive aspects of being a teacher, whilst removing the majority of the negative ones. Yes, there is still marking, yes there are still meetings (occasionally), but the vast majority of my time is spent doing what I love - interacting with students and helping them to learn and grow. I can honestly say that no two days are the same and I have developed from a teacher of local children to a teacher of children all over the world, from Australia to the Caribbean.