Helping students with special educational needs (SEN) thrive is central to everything we do at Sunbeam Education. I’m Katie, a member of the Sunbeam team, and I recently had the chance to sit down with Alex, our founder, to talk about his journey, mission, and the heart behind the business.
Q: What inspired you to create Sunbeam Education?
Alex: “Growing up, I struggled in school. I was often labelled as lazy or a daydreamer because of undiagnosed ADHD. It wasn’t until I found a learning style that worked for me that I started enjoying education again. I realised that I needed to understand the impact of what I was learning. I had to see that it was practical and that I could use it for something that I enjoyed. I have always enjoyed practical things such as woodworking and metalworking as well as the sciences. When a teacher connected the learning that we did in chemistry to the practical world around us, it all made sense! That experience stayed with me. I knew I wanted to create a service that helps students feel supported and confident in ways I wish I’d had, and that’s why I became the founder of Sunbeam.”.”
Q: What makes Sunbeam different from other tutoring services?
Alex: “We focus specifically on students with SEN and provide dedicated support for dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, and many other educational needs. We understand the challenges these students often face, whether it’s anxiety, executive function difficulties, or phone addiction/managing homework. Many of our tutors, like me, have lived experience with neurodivergence, which helps us connect with students on a personal level. We also don’t just tutor; we coach students in skills like organisation, social confidence, and managing exam stress.”
Q: How did your background lead to starting this business?
Alex: “I have a PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry and over 12 years of experience tutoring Maths and Science. But my personal experience is what drove me to become the founder of Sunbeam. After being diagnosed with ADHD and autism as an adult, I realised how crucial the right support is for students to succeed. I wanted to make that kind of support accessible to others.”
Q: What challenges do your students often face, and how do you support them?
Alex: “Our students face a range of challenges, from concentration issues to anxiety about exams. Many neurodivergent students, who struggle with executive functioning, find tasks requiring significant independent organisation, such as revision, homework, and coursework, to be very overwhelming. We work with them to build practical skills and confidence while creating a judgment-free space where they can learn and grow.”
Q: Can you tell us about some of your proudest moments as Sunbeam’s founder?
Alex: “Every stage of building Sunbeam has been both exciting and daunting. I’ll never forget hiring my first team member, Catrin, who’s been an incredible support. Launching our latest website, which makes it easier for families to find the right tutor, is another milestone I’m really proud of. But what stands out most are the success stories - seeing students grow in confidence and achieve what once felt impossible.”
Q: What are your goals for the future of Sunbeam Education?
Alex: “We’re focused on expanding our services and developing tools to track student progress and provide feedback to families. I’d love to eventually offer therapeutic support and resources for parents. My vision is for Sunbeam to lead the SEN support community, helping more students and families feel genuinely supported.”
Q: What’s your message to families considering Sunbeam for their child?
Alex: “Every student deserves to feel confident and capable. At Sunbeam, we aim to provide a safe, compassionate space where students can grow academically and personally. If you’re looking for support for your child, we’re here to help.”
Closing Thoughts
Our founder Alex’s personal journey and professional experience shape everything we do. From creating a supportive environment to building practical skills, we are committed to helping students with special educational needs thrive. If you’re looking for compassionate and expert support for your child, we’d love to hear from you and explore how we can help.
