By BHIS   July 3, 2020   

Education is an integral part for the growth of any economy. Initially, most schools and colleges were government-run or convent schools that were government-aided, there were very few private schools as the same was restricted. However, over the last 2 decades, private players were allowed to enter this space. While today staring a school is seen as a business proposition for people, it is still a noble cause. Most individuals start schools with the goal to leave a legacy behind – to transform society and always be seen in society as someone who started a venture that nurtured and groomed young minds and young lives.

In some cases, individuals / investors are new to the field of education, as many of them would not have a background in the education sector – however have the passion and the resources to start a school. Here we will share some of the steps one must take to start your own school – a guide to a High School Business Plan:

1. Hire an Education consultant: it is important to consult an expert in this field so that you are well aware of all requirements and there are no last-minute surprises. Study the details thoroughly so that you take an informed decision.

2. Work on a blueprint: make a blue of your school with the consultant. Look at which board is in demand in your city. Is it CBSCE, ICSE, or an International Board? Schools can start from preschool and go right up to grade 12. You need to decide up to which grade you would like to offer basis the local area analysis and study.

3. Create a business plan & budget: once you have the blueprint ready. Work on a budget. Capital expense, infrastructure related expenses, admin expense, staff salaries etc. this working will give you an idea about the capital required.

4. Work out the minimum fees that will be charged: once you have your expenses in place, you will be able to determine the minimum fees you will need to charge and the ROI’s, etc.

5. Land requirement according to the board you select: each board (State board, ICSE, CBSE, and International Board) has a different directive for the minimum requirement of land. Also, the location of the school matters. For example the requirement of land in a metropolitan city will be different from a tier two city.

6. School Infrastructure: there is a specified guideline that has been laid out by all boards on the basic requirements of a school. For eg. A classroom should be a minimum of 400 sq ft. The school building should have science laboratories, a computer room, a library, an art room, etc. Make sure you construct the building according to the set guideline so that you are able to get the required NOC’s from the board and certifications too.

7. Setting up a trust: you will need to set up a trust or a society and have the same registered to start your school. A preschool can be a proprietary firm however a school must be run by a trust.

8. Approach the educational department for registration: once your school building is ready and other paperwork is in place you will have to approach the department of education to get your school registered and recognised.

9. Decide till what grade you will start within the first year: most schools are started in phases. As parents do not prefer changing schools in higher grades. Schools normally start with preschool up to grade 4 and then gradually children keep moving to high grades.

10. Hiring of staff: the education department has set out a guideline of minimum qualification various staff members of a school. (Principal, teachers and admin staff). Check them and hire staff accordingly.

11. Creating awareness & admission marketing: you will need to chalk out a marketing campaign and the communication you want to send out to parents. It is important to have a strong ‘school launch plan’ and ‘admission marketing plan’ in place – the marketing of the school should start 3-4 months before you start the admissions process. Admissions and admission counselling, tours etc should start at least 6 months before formal launch/opening of the school.

We have listed down broad points that you need to take into consideration while starting a High school. However one essential point is once you have started your school always stay updated as policies and laws keep changing often. This will help you in making regular updates in your school SOPD ensuring you are following all policies as suggested by the education department. Another thing to keep a tab on is technological advancement and current trends in education. If you keep yourself updated to current trends you will be able to provide the best educational experience to the children that come to your school.