Why I’m Leaving Teaching After 18 Years – And What I’m Building Next
After 18 years of teaching, guiding, and cheering on students in classrooms across the UK, I’ve made one of the biggest decisions of my career: I’m stepping away from full-time teaching to build something new.
It hasn’t been easy to reach this point. Teaching has been part of my identity for nearly two decades.
I’ve taught thousands of pupils, worked with hundreds of families, and dedicated my days (and many evenings!) to helping young people believe in themselves and achieve more than they thought possible.
But over the last few years, something has changed—slowly at first, then all at once.
Inspiration
Part of what encouraged me to make this change was discovering the work of Jillian Shanahan. Her videos, advice and educator communities have been a real source of inspiration during this transition. Seeing another teacher build something meaningful, supportive and sustainable outside the traditional classroom helped me realise that I could do the same in my own way. Her approach planted the seed that there are other paths for teachers who want to continue making an impact - just differently. (Check out her YouTube videos)
So I’m taking a leap.
And I’m incredibly excited about what’s coming next.
I realised that I wanted to support students in a way that went beyond the constraints of the classroom. I wanted to reach more pupils, more flexibly, and more creatively. And I wanted to do it in a way that felt sustainable for me and helpful for families.
A New Chapter:
Tutoring+ Online Learning Content
I’m now launching my own tutoring business, specialising in Maths and Science across KS2, KS3 and KS4. I’ll be working with pupils 1:1 and in small groups—helping them build confidence, close gaps, and achieve the grades they deserve.
But tutoring is only one half of the vision.
The other half is something I’ve wanted to pursue for a long time: creating free, high-quality educational content on YouTube and Facebook for students who might not be able to access tutoring at all.
I know how many families can’t afford regular tuition, even though their child genuinely needs extra help.
I’ve seen pupils struggle simply because they didn’t have someone to break things down clearly, step by step.
I’ve watched students lose confidence because they felt “behind” but had nowhere to turn.
I want to change that.
My goal is to produce short, engaging, colourful videos that explain maths and science topics clearly, practically and in ways that build real confidence. No jargon. No judgement. Just calm, clear teaching.
By posting regularly on social platforms, I’ll be able to support far more pupils than I could ever reach in a classroom.
KS3 Maths tutorial video
In this video, I aim to simplify the concept of fractions for students, providing them with essential skills that I believe they can easily master. My approach focuses on a relaxed environment, free from the pressures often found in traditional classroom settings. By sharing useful tips and hints garnered from my years of experience in tutoring, I hope to make learning fractions more accessible and enjoyable for all learners.
Why Content Creation? Why Now?
Part of this decision is about impact—but part of it is also about being honest.
Creating online content opens up new income streams such as monetisation, partnerships, and resources. That financial stability allows me to keep offering free videos without sacrificing my time, health or livelihood.
It also means I can grow this project properly:
✔️ better video quality
✔️ more lessons
✔️ downloadable resources
✔️ topic requests from parents and students
✔️ consistent uploads across the school year
It’s a model that lets me help as many learners as possible while building a viable business.
And I’m not ashamed to say that. Teachers are allowed to build something sustainable. We are allowed to create value—and be paid fairly for it.
What You Can Expect From Me
Over the next few months you’ll see:
Regular YouTube uploads
on KS2, KS3 and KS4 Maths & Science, subscribe to get the latest updates.
Short, snappy explainer videos
on Facebook & Reels
Free worksheets, tips and revision help
Plus small-group tutoring sessions where needed
A growing library of step-by-step lessons
designed for students who want simple, structured guidance
Everything I create will have the same purpose:
to help young people feel capable, confident, and in control of their learning.
Whether a child sees me once a week in tutoring, or scrolls past a 60-second fractions trick on their phone, I want them to feel supported.
A Final Word…
Leaving teaching wasn’t a decision I made lightly.
But it feels right.
It feels exciting.
And, most of all, it feels like the start of something meaningful.
To every parent, pupil and colleague who has supported me over the last 18 years—thank you. I’m stepping into this new chapter with everything I’ve learned, and I can’t wait to help even more young people along the way.
If you’d like to follow along, join me on:
📍 YouTube
📍 Facebook
📍 Tutoring enquiries
Here’s to new beginnings—and to making learning accessible for every child.