The Training and Education Franchise Sector in Spain 2025: Growth, Innovation, and Opportunities

Madrid, June 3, 2025
The training, teaching, and academy franchise sector in Spain is expanding rapidly, driven by the growing demand for quality education, language proficiency, and vocational training. In a globalized context, where technological advances are transforming the labor market, these franchises are positioning themselves as key solutions to society's educational needs. This article analyzes the sector's economic impact, highlights the leading brands, explores the specific opportunities and challenges of each subsector, and concludes by inviting entrepreneurs to learn more at the Franchise Innovation Summit - FIS 2025 on October 15 and 16 at the Metropolitano de Madrid.
Economic overview: a sector on the rise
The training and education franchise sector is a fundamental pillar within the franchise system in Spain. According to the Spanish Association of Franchisors (AEF), in 2024, franchises generated revenues of nearly 33 billion euros, representing a 9% growth compared to the previous year and the incorporation of more than 8,000 new franchisees. The education subsector contributes approximately €384 million and generates more than 8,200 jobs through 2,260 centers, with expansion projected for 2025. Language academies, with approximately 3,500 academies and two million students annually, generate €1.2 billion, according to the Spanish Federation of Language Teaching Centers (FECEI). This dynamism is due to the sector's ability to respond to essential needs, such as language learning, early childhood education, and vocational training, while adapting to trends such as digitalization and hybrid models.
Main players by subsector
Language academies: market dominance
Language academies, especially those focused on English, lead the sector thanks to the demand for bilingual skills in a globalized world.
- KIDS&US School of English: With more than 600 centers in 10 countries and 180,000 students, it operates a large portion of its academies in Spain, using a natural language acquisition methodology and achieving a 90% student retention rate. Investment: €50,000-€80,000.
- Ms&Mr Language, SL: With 27 centers (22 franchised) and a projection of 100 by 2027, it had a turnover of €3.9 million in 2023, with an expected growth of 30% in 2024. Its "Learn & Enjoy" methodology serves children from 3 years old to adults. Investment: from €30,000, with crowdfunding from €10,000.
- English Connection: The largest English network in Spain, with 24 centers and 7,000 students, specializing in certifications such as Cambridge and Trinity. Requires franchisees with management skills.
- Wall Street English: With an investment of 150,000 euros, it focuses on adults with a hybrid learning model.
- Helen Doron English: With more than 90 centers in Spain, it uses a playful methodology for children as young as 3 months. Investment: 40,000-70,000 euros.
- The English Academy: With 15 centers, it offers personalized classes and preparation for official exams. Investment: 35,000-60,000 euros.
- Vaughan Systems: With 20 centers, it focuses on intensive English teaching for adults and businesses. Investment: 50,000-100,000 euros.
Opportunities:
- High demand for international certifications (Cambridge, TOEFL) due to globalization.
- Expansion to medium-sized and small cities, where educational offerings are limited.
- Integration of digital platforms to offer hybrid classes, increasing accessibility.
Challenges:
- Intense competition among academies, which requires differentiation through innovative methodologies.
- Recruitment of native or highly qualified teachers, especially in rural areas.
- Price sensitivity in a competitive market, which puts pressure on profit margins.
Early Childhood Education: Comprehensive Development and Entrepreneurship
- BUSINESS KIDS Program for Entrepreneurial Children: Teaches entrepreneurship through practical workshops on weekends. Investment: €15,000-25,000.
- NENOOS: With more than 30 centers, its Mind+Body+Emotion methodology develops children's intelligence. Investment: €20,000-40,000.
- Nemomarlin: With 41 bilingual preschools and 3,000 students (0-3 years old), it requires an investment of 100,000-150,000 euros.
- Baby Sapien: With 8 centers, it offers early stimulation for babies. Investment: 25,000-40,000 euros.
- Escuelas Infantiles Bambi: With 20 centers, it focuses on bilingual early childhood education (0-3 years old). Investment: 80,000-120,000 euros.
- KidsBrain: With 20 centers, it focuses on intensive English teaching for adults and businesses. Investment: 50,000-100,000 euros.
Opportunities:
- Growing interest in early bilingual education and innovative extracurricular programs.
- Low-investment models that attract entrepreneurs with limited resources.
- Demand for inclusive services for children with special needs.
Challenges:
- High infrastructure costs for preschools, which limit expansion in less populated regions.
- Compliance with strict regulations on early childhood education, which increase operating costs.
- Competition with public programs and local daycare centers, which offer lower prices.
Music and art education: creativity as the axis
This subsector combines learning with artistic expression, attracting families seeking holistic development.
- SCHOOL OF ROCK: With an investment of 150,000-250,000 euros, it teaches music through performances, using a globally proven model.
- Beatriz Luengo Dance School: With 5 centers, it capitalizes on the fame of its founder. Investment: 40,000-70,000 euros.
- Artesanitos: With 10 centers, it offers ceramics workshops for children. Investment: 15,000-30,000 euros.
- Aula Creativa: With 12 centers, it promotes art and creativity for children and young people. Investment: 30,000-50,000 euros.
- Musicaeduca Juventudes Musicales: With 8 centers, it focuses on early music education. Investment: 20,000-40,000 euros.
Opportunities:
- Growing interest in creative extracurricular activities as a complement to formal education.
- Low-investment models that facilitate market entry.
- Potential to integrate technology, such as virtual music or art classes, to reach more students.
Challenges:
- Reliance on highly specialized instructors, who are difficult to recruit in non-urban areas.
- Competition with free or low-cost cultural activities offered by city governments.
- Generating constant demand in a niche market, especially in less populated regions.
Global opportunities in the sector
Despite its potential, the sector faces challenges that franchisees must address strategically:
- Sustained Demand: The need for language skills, early childhood education, and vocational training ensures stability, even during economic crises, with language academies serving two million students a year.
- Diversity of Models: From low-investment options like BUSINESS KIDS to premium brands like SCHOOL OF ROCK, the sector offers opportunities for different types of investors.
- Social Impact: Franchises like Anda Conmigo and Kumon attract entrepreneurs with social values by contributing to community development.
- Digitalization: Hybrid models, like those of Ms&Mr Language, allow us to reach rural areas and diversify our income.
Global challenges of the sector
- Intense Competition: Saturation in subsectors such as language academies requires constant innovation to stand out.
- Talent Acquisition: The need for qualified instructors is a challenge in all subsectors, especially in non-urban areas.
- Technological Adaptation: Balancing digital and in-person learning requires investment without compromising educational quality.
Conclusion: Discover the potential at FIS 2025
The training and education franchise sector in Spain is a vibrant and growing market, with leading brands such as KIDS&US, Ms&Mr Language, Kumon, SCHOOL OF ROCK, and BUSINESS KIDS driving educational innovation. Despite challenges such as competition and talent acquisition, its resilience and adaptability make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
FIS 2025, which will be held in Madrid, is the ideal platform for entrepreneurs and business owners to connect with leading educational franchises, explore innovative business models, and gain direct insights from industry leaders. Don't miss the opportunity to join a sector that is transforming learning and shaping the future of education in Spain.