Exclusive interview with Adam Senior, CREW Franchisor
- Name: Adam Senior
- Franchise: CREW Schools
Tell us a bit about yourself
My journey began in 1994 as a curator’s assistant at Gunnersbury Park Museum, where I quickly saw the untapped potential of using education to connect with schools and the wider community. Taking the initiative, I developed a dynamic, income-generating schools programme that not only enriched the museum’s offer but also deepened its impact on local audiences.
Driven by a passion for audience engagement and meaningful learning experiences, I went on to launch CREW Schools—an outreach programme designed to bring interactive, curriculum-linked workshops directly into classrooms. Recognising the need to support organisations from the inside out, I also established CREW Training, offering bespoke training and development solutions for museums, zoos, attractions, and service-based businesses.
Both initiatives are built around one core idea: empowering people to deliver exceptional learning experiences that inspire learning, spark curiosity, and encourage long-term relationships with their audiences.
Can you tell us about CREW School franchise
We seek franchisees who are passionate about inspiring young minds through high-quality, engaging educational experiences. The ideal candidate believes that learning should be fun, accessible, and memorable, and has the creativity to deliver content in a way that captures children’s imagination. They must demonstrate a strong commitment to educational impact as well as the ambition and strategic mindset to grow a sustainable, successful business.
A successful franchisee combines a child-centred approach with sound business acumen, strong communication skills, and the drive to develop their territory in alignment with our brand values. We look for individuals who are not only enthusiastic educators but also forward-thinking entrepreneurs—capable of identifying growth opportunities, building community relationships, and scaling their impact over time.
Who is CREW School's target market and what is the demand for your services?
Our primary target market is UK primary schools—specifically teachers and education leaders seeking to enrich their curriculum with high-quality, engaging learning experiences. Our services are designed to support schools in delivering curriculum content in a fresh and dynamic way, using drama, storytelling, and interactive workshops to bring subjects to life.
There is strong and growing demand for creative, curriculum-enhancing experiences that take learning beyond the classroom. Schools are increasingly looking for ways to inspire pupils, support different learning styles, and meet educational objectives through enrichment activities. Our workshops provide a valuable solution—aligning with the National Curriculum while making learning fun, memorable, and impactful for both students and staff.
Why is CREW School's a great investment for potential franchisees?
Our franchise offers a unique opportunity to invest in a business that is both financially rewarding and socially impactful. With a proven track record of delivering high-quality educational workshops, we operate in a growing market where schools are actively seeking engaging, curriculum-aligned experiences for their pupils.
Franchisees benefit from a well-established brand, a comprehensive training and support package, and a flexible business model that fits around school hours—ideal for individuals looking for a meaningful career with work-life balance. The low-overhead, mobile delivery format allows for excellent scalability, and the nature of our services means strong repeat business and long-term relationships with schools.
As a franchisee, you’ll join a supportive network of like-minded professionals, all working to enrich children's education across the country. This is more than just a business—it's a chance to inspire the next generation while building a successful and sustainable enterprise.
What differentiates CREW Schools from the competition?
What sets our franchise apart is the depth and quality of our training. Our franchisees benefit from industry-leading development through our sister company, CREW Training, which has a strong reputation for delivering impactful staff training across museums, zoos, and aquariums nationwide.
This expertise ensures that every franchisee is equipped not only with the practical tools to deliver exceptional workshops, but also with advanced skills in audience engagement, storytelling, and educational communication. Our content is closely aligned with the National Curriculum and designed to complement classroom learning, making our offer both relevant and highly valued by schools.
With a trusted brand, an emphasis on innovation, and a commitment to excellence in delivery, we offer franchisees a unique position in the education enrichment market—combining creativity with a proven, professional framework.
What is the role of one of your franchisees?
A franchisee serves as the local ambassador and operational lead for the CREW Schools programme within their territory. Their core responsibility is to deliver engaging, high-quality educational workshops that bring the national curriculum to life through interactive drama and creative learning experiences.
In addition to workshop delivery, franchisees develop and maintain strong relationships with schools and community organisations, tailoring their services to local needs. They manage all aspects of their business operations, including marketing, client communications, scheduling, and financial administration, ensuring a professional and seamless experience for clients.
Franchisees also uphold the brand’s values and standards, contributing to the reputation and growth of CREW Schools nationally. To support their success, we provide comprehensive initial training, ongoing professional development, and continuous operational support, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped to deliver exceptional service and grow their business sustainably.
What qualities do you look for in a franchisee? #
We seek franchisees who are passionate about inspiring young minds through high-quality, engaging educational experiences. The ideal candidate believes that learning should be fun, accessible, and memorable, and has the creativity to deliver content in a way that captures children’s imagination. They must demonstrate a strong commitment to educational impact as well as the ambition and strategic mindset to grow a sustainable, successful business.
A successful franchisee combines a child-centred approach with sound business acumen, strong communication skills, and the drive to develop their territory in alignment with our brand values. We look for individuals who are not only enthusiastic educators but also forward-thinking entrepreneurs—capable of identifying growth opportunities, building community relationships, and scaling their impact over time.
Interested and want to know more about CREW Schools?
The CREW Schools profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
