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Harriet Bermingham embodies a deep-rooted passion for teaching, following in the footsteps of two generations before her. Becoming a primary school teacher was always her dream. But once she entered the profession, reality hit hard—long hours, oversized classrooms, and the inability to give each student the attention they needed left her disillusioned.
Determined to find a better way, Harriet began exploring alternatives. She launched a phonics playgroup and took on private tutoring, all while continuing her job at Flixton Primary School in Greater Manchester. But after welcoming her son Teddy at the end of 2022, she made a bold choice: she left her teaching position to focus full-time on tutoring from her home in Worsley, Salford.
Now 31, Harriet runs Bold Beginnings Tutoring and has no regrets. Two years into her venture, she works with 85 students in small groups, earning twice her previous school salary—while working half the hours.
“Schools are underfunded and it’s hard to feel fulfilled,” Harriet shared. “In a classroom of 30 kids and maybe one teaching assistant, it’s nearly impossible to give one-on-one attention.”
Through tutoring, she’s been able to create engaging, focused sessions where her students thrive. Back when she was a full-time teacher, her days began at 7am and didn’t end until after 4pm—with evenings and weekends lost to planning and marking. She recalls clocking in 70 to 80 hours weekly for around £35,000 a year.
“After having Ted, I just couldn’t go back. Now I work 16 hours a week, and it’s changed everything.”
The shift has brought noticeable improvements to her mental health. “I’m no longer exhausted all the time. I actually have the energy to be the teacher I always wanted to be. Before, it was all about paperwork, admin, and behaviour management.”
Today, Harriet teaches from a dedicated garden room built for tutoring, with space for up to five children. Her son is either with his dad, Tom Shaw—who runs the MCR Injury Clinic nearby—or at nursery.
She’s also noticed a significant rise in demand for tutoring post-pandemic. Many families are unaware they can use government childcare vouchers toward tutoring if the provider is Ofsted-registered.
“It’s the same as tax-free childcare. Families earning under £100k can get 20% off, which really helps. There’s a growing need for tailored support, and that’s just not feasible in a class of 30.”
She’s seen the emotional impact of Covid on kids too. “A lot of children are still dealing with anxiety. Some, especially in Year 4, spent formative years learning at home—they struggle with being back in class. I’ve helped many kids through that.”
Harriet’s journey has now come full circle, as she helps other teachers explore life beyond the classroom. Her online course, The Ultimate Teacher Exit Plan, is designed to guide educators who feel stuck.
“When you're in teaching, it’s hard to see a way out,” she explained. “This course helps teachers start tutoring on the side, while still in their roles. It's about building gradually and safely.”
Self-paced and flexible, the course caters to time-strapped teachers looking to make a change without jumping in headfirst.
A former Bolton School student, Harriet still finds joy in watching her pupils grow—like Sophia Pulo, who recently gained a spot at the same school Harriet once attended.
“I’m so passionate about teaching and love the children to bits,” she said. “Tutoring lets me do what I love, without burning out.”
