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Teachers return from Kuwait to purchase Darlington Learning Zone

Two teachers have returned to the North East after two years in Kuwait to buy Darlington Learning Zone, in a deal completed by County Durham solicitors Latimer Hinks.

Glen and Fay Blythman, from Stockton and Darlington respectively, spent two years in the Arabian Gulf teaching at the British School of Kuwait.

They have now returned to their home in Darlington after instructing Latimer Hinks in the purchase of the tuition centre business on Darlington’s Grange Road.

Latimer Hinks consultant Nick Poole said: “We’re delighted to have been able to help Glen and Fay to realise their dream of coming back to the North East to open their own business. They are putting their considerable teaching experience to good use, providing tuition to both children and adults.”

The couple, who have been teaching for 15 years, were based in the Salwa region of Kuwait, teaching the British national curriculum to private school pupils from primary to sixth form.

Fay said: “The curriculum was the same, but you have to adapt to the different culture. You must be respectful of different traditions and beliefs. It’s been fascinating for us to be able to learn from students about their culture and religion.

“But, when we saw that Darlington Learning Zone was for sale, it seemed like perfect timing for us to come home. Now, we’re trying to get used to leaving heat that could be up to 50 degrees for the vagaries of the North East weather.”

Fay, who teaches maths, and English teacher Glen are gearing up for a busy summer running holiday clubs to make sure children stay on track with their learning during the long summer break.

“We know from our own experience that school holidays can be a time when children forget what they have learned. Tuition sessions can really help them to hit the ground running when they start school again in September. We also offer tuition for those making what can be the daunting jump from GCSE to A-Levels.”

Darlington Learning Zone provides tuition in maths, English and science, for students aged from six upwards, although Fay and Glen have plans to offer more subjects in future.

Fay added: “We’re excited about being able to work with children and their parents on what they want to specifically focus on. We can really help individuals with personalised tuition tailored to their needs every session.

“We’d like to thank Latimer Hinks for all their help in driving this deal through so we can now use all the knowledge we’ve gained teaching in the UK and Kuwait to take Darlington Learning Zone forward.”

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