Building Confidence, Not Just Grades – Rose Carter on Inclusive Education and Real Impact

Some businesses are built on opportunity. Others are built on necessity.

For Rose Carter, Inspires Tuition was born from something much deeper – a growing realisation that too many children were being left behind by a system that simply didn’t fit them.

Now Founder and CEO of Inspires Tuition and Inspires Community Provision, Rose works with children and young people across Oxfordshire who are often vulnerable, disadvantaged, or navigating neurodivergence. Her work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief – every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and capable of success.

“I’ve opened the only fully inclusive after school tuition club in Oxfordshire… all are welcome and there are no prerequisites.”

This is not traditional tuition. This is education reimagined around the child.

From the Classroom to a Bigger Mission

Rose didn’t set out to build a business. Her journey began in mainstream teaching, where she spent eight years as a primary teacher. But over time, something became impossible to ignore.

“There were these children that were just being missed in the system. It was awful and I couldn’t help them as much as I wanted to.”

That frustration became the catalyst. Around twelve years ago, she stepped away and began working independently, supporting children one-to-one. What started as a solo effort quickly grew through word of mouth, as families began to see the difference in both confidence and outcomes.

Demand increased, not because of marketing funnels or strategies, but because the need was real.

“I was just on my own, helping as many children as I could. Then demand outstripped me.”

That moment forced a decision many class-based business owners will recognise – stay small, or grow to meet the need.

A Bespoke Approach That Meets Children Where They Are

One of the defining features of Inspires Tuition is its flexibility. There is no one-size-fits-all model. Every child is supported in the environment where they feel safest and most able to engage.

That might mean working in schools, at home, in community spaces, or within social services settings. The goal is always the same – to rebuild confidence and create a pathway forward.

“Children can’t learn unless they feel happy, safe and secure.”

From there, the focus shifts to helping young people rediscover what they are capable of.

Rose and her team support a wide range of needs, including:

• Children experiencing anxiety or school avoidance
• Young people navigating autism, ADHD, or undiagnosed neurodivergence
• Those affected by trauma, bereavement, or adverse childhood experiences
• Students at risk of exclusion or already outside mainstream education

Everything is tailored. Everything is relational.

“We teach them the resilience to say, you can. You can do it.”

The Hidden Impact of Covid on Disadvantaged Children

While demand for Rose’s work was already growing, the impact of Covid created a significant shift.

Rose made the decision not to move her work online during that time, instead taking a job stacking shelves to support her own family. But when she returned, the scale of need had changed dramatically.

“There were huge amounts of children and young people that were really damaged.”

She highlights a reality that is still unfolding today. For children in disadvantaged households, lockdowns amplified existing challenges – limited space, lack of access to technology, and reduced external support networks.

The result has been a long-term impact on mental health and engagement with education.

Growth Without Losing the Heart of the Work

As the business expanded, Rose remained clear on one thing – quality could not be compromised.

Rather than building a large, fast-growing team, she carefully selects each tutor herself, prioritising personality, empathy, and alignment with her values over qualifications alone.

“You’ve got these children’s lives in your hands. If you get it wrong, you can really impact them.”

This level of care extends beyond education. Her team often supports families in practical ways too, from sourcing food parcels to providing everyday support where it is needed most.

At the core of the Inspires framework is one central principle.

“We genuinely care about our students and their families.”

Rethinking Success in Education

One of the most powerful parts of Rose’s approach is her refusal to define success in narrow terms.

For some children, that might mean returning to school with confidence. For others, it might mean discovering a completely different path.

“I had a student who needed a boost and now she’s training to be a GP. But I’ve also had a girl who wanted to be a bricklayer. That’s okay too.”

This philosophy runs through everything she does – helping young people identify their strengths and build a future that works for them, not forcing them into a system that doesn’t.

Becoming a CIC to Remove Barriers

In the past year, Rose has taken the step to establish Inspires Community Provision as a Community Interest Company. This decision was driven by a desire to remove financial barriers for families in areas of deprivation.

“I didn’t feel comfortable charging parents. All children deserve an education. It shouldn’t be relevant to money.”

While funding remains a challenge, the CIC model allows her to expand access and continue supporting those who need it most.

A Judge Who Looks Beyond the Surface

As a judge for the The Class Business Awards 2026, Rose brings a perspective grounded in impact, integrity, and lived experience.

She is not looking for polished marketing or surface-level success. She is looking for something deeper.

“What are you doing to help those children and young people? I want to make a difference.”

For applicants, this is a clear message. The strongest entries will show:

• Genuine impact on the children and communities they serve
• A clear sense of purpose beyond profit
• Integrity in how the business operates day-to-day
• Evidence of care, not just claims of it

Her focus aligns closely with what the awards are designed to celebrate – businesses that are changing lives, not just filling spaces.

Watch the Full Interview

Rose’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and deep commitment to doing what is right for the children she supports.

Her insights offer a powerful reminder that education is not about fitting children into a system, but about creating systems that work for them.

Watch the full conversation and hear more about her journey, approach, and advice for class-based business owners on the Class Business YouTube channel.