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Join the #1 Preschool and Nursery Franchise as we expand in the U.K.

The Learning Experience is the fastest-growing preschool and nursery franchise with approximately 850 centers open or in development in the United States and the United Kingdom. Now is your opportunity to become part of the brand. Inquire today.

Childcare franchise hero
~850
Locations Open or Under Development
Across 30+ states and the U.K.
24
Years in Early Education
Founded in 2002
85/100
Franchisee Satisfaction
Year over year, Franchise Business Review
45%
Multi-Unit Owners
Owners running 2+ centers

Why childcare franchising is one of the most resilient investments

Dependable childcare is a necessity for parents in the U.K., not a luxury. The market fundamentals are strong and growing.

74%*
of couple families with young kids have two working parents
64%**
of children aged 0 to 4 use formal childcare
5%
projected annual industry growth over five years

Hear from TLE franchise owners

They Wanted The Best, And They Got It

Kristen & Rich Sherman

“As a parent, you want the best for your kids in education, and as an owner, you want access to the best. And TLE just keeps getting better and better and better.”

—Kristen Sherman, owner in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Public School Teacher Sees Life Changing Success with The Learning Experience Franchise

Lynn Ann Zazzali

“I believe in The Learning Experience and everything it stands for. TLE has been doing this for a long time. They’ve worked out all the kinks and know what to expect.”

—Lynn Ann Zazzali, multi-unit owner.

The Learning Experience Franchisee Pursues Her Goals and Dreams

Meeta Kalawadia

“I was looking for someone who would partner in my success. I feel that TLE does a wonderful job of that.”

—Meeta Kalawadia, owner in New Jersey

The TLE Difference

We hand you a fully operating early education business, built on things competitors cannot easily copy.

Franchise real estate model

Completely turnkey

We aim to make operating your preschool/nursery as simple as possible. You step into a childcare centre that’s already set up and operational, and our team provides world-class training and ongoing support to help you run it.

Franchise proprietary curriculum

Proprietary curriculum

We provide our industry-leading curriculum to help your teachers meet Early Years Foundation Stage standards. The curriculum blends hands-on play with intentional learning across language, STEM, and whole-child wellness, from infancy through primary school.

TLE Franchise brand trust

A proven record of success

Children aren’t the only ones on the path to success — our owners succeed, too. That’s why The Learning Experience was ranked #1 childcare franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine and the #1 education franchise by Franchise Business Review.

Franchise technical support

Full, ongoing support

From Ofsted registration and approval to the day-to-day operations of your childcare centre and nursery, TLE is here to help. You also get in-center technology and business intelligence tools to track growth, manage operations, and stay connected with the families you serve.

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Open and Operating Franchises You Can Buy Today

These childcare centres are built, operating, and ready for you to take over now. Select the location you prefer and take the first step toward ownership.

Investment

Here's exactly what it takes. We believe transparency is a key to your success.

£45,400
Franchise Fee
£490k–£600k
Total Investment
£190,000
Liquid Capital Required
£300,000
Net Worth Required

What your investment buys

Through our turnkey real estate model, your investment covers a fully built, equipped, and ready-to-open center. Our team handles site selection, construction, and setup — then hands you the keys.

VETERANS: 20% off the franchise fee (non-dishonorable discharge + active duty).

Ongoing fees, plainly

Royalty
7% of gross revenue
Brand Awareness Fund
1%

Figures as reported, subject to current FDD.

Who thrives as a TLE franchise owner

Our owners come from different backgrounds, but they share a drive to build something meaningful.

Hear their stories
Franchise owner who thrives

The Career Changer

Trading corporate life for something with purpose, backed by training that ensures success.

Hear their stories

The Educator at Heart

Turning a lifelong passion for early childhood education into ownership, with a proven model behind you.

Hear their stories

The Multi-Unit Investor

Building a portfolio in a growing category like 45% of our current owners.

Hear their stories

Your path to ownership

How to become a franchise owner with TLE from first conversation to opening day.

  1. Contact our Team

    Schedule a call with a member of our team to discuss what makes TLE a unique opportunity.

  2. See What's Available Next

    Review our available childcare centres to find the right location for you!

  3. Submit an Application

    Complete our online Qualifying Questionnaire to let our team know more about you.

  4. Review the FDD

    Continue your review of the opportunity with TLE by reviewing our Franchise Disclosure Document.

  5. Meet the Family

    Spend some time meeting the amazing teams that will be supporting you as a franchisee, and learn about the experiences of owning a TLE from our current franchise owners.

  6. Train and Get Ready

    Engage with our incredible Learning and Development team to receive training on everything you need to know to be a successful TLE operator.

  7. Hand You the Keys

    Step into a fully operational childcare centre and nursery, ready for you to make an impact.

Awards and Industry Recognition

Third party validation from the organizations that evaluate franchise systems.

  • #1 Childcare Franchise, Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (2026)
  • Franchise Business Review, Top Franchises 2026
  • FBR Satisfaction Awards, Top Franchises for Women 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Learning Experience a good franchise?

TLE is the #1 childcare franchise on Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500, ranked #15 overall across all industries. We hold a 4 star franchisee satisfaction rating year over year from Franchise Business Review, and 45% of our owners have opened two or more centers — a strong signal that the economics work.

What locations are available?

There are four London-area childcare centres currently available. See the details above.

What support does TLE provide to franchise owners?

TLE provides comprehensive support including our proprietary curriculum that’s adapted to meet Early Years Foundation Stage standards, marketing and enrollment support, technology platforms for operations management, and ongoing business coaching.

Do I need childcare experience to own a TLE franchise?

No prior childcare experience is required. Many of our most successful owners come from corporate backgrounds, education, or other industries. Our training program is designed to prepare you regardless of your background, and you'll rely on experienced center directors and teachers to run day-to-day operations.

What is the FDD and when do I receive it?

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that provides detailed information about the franchise system, including fees, obligations, and financial performance data. You receive the FDD after your initial application is approved, and you have a 14-day review period before any agreement can be signed.

What happens after I submit the lead form?

A member of the franchise development team will reach out within one business day to schedule an introductory call. That call covers your goals, background, and questions about the opportunity. There is no obligation at any stage of the discovery process.

What is the curriculum?

The Learning Experience's proprietary, play-based curriculum is designed for children from infancy through primary school. It integrates STEM, literacy, and social-emotional learning through a cast of 90+ brand characters. This curriculum is what parents ask for by name and what differentiates The Learning Experience from a standard childcare centre.

What are the ongoing royalty fees?

Franchisees pay a 7% royalty on gross revenue and contribute 1% to the Brand Awareness Fund. These fees support national marketing, technology development, curriculum updates, and ongoing operational support.

Can I be a semi-absentee owner?

The Learning Experience's model is designed for owner-operators who are actively involved in their business, particularly during the first year. However, many multi-unit owners transition to a more executive role once their initial center is established and staffed with a strong leadership team.

Do I need childcare experience to own a The Learning Experience franchise?

No prior childcare experience is required. Many of The Learning Experience's most successful owners come from corporate backgrounds, education, or other industries. The training program prepares you regardless of your background, and you will hire experienced center directors and teachers to run day-to-day operations.

Explore daycare franchise opportunities with The Learning Experience

Get more information today.

  • See current territory availability for your market
  • Get the investment breakdown and turnkey model details
  • Talk with our franchise development team no obligation

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