Hampshire business owner wins national award for changing young lives through education
Suzanna Boon, owner of Tutor Doctor Winchester-Fareham, has been named a winner of the prestigious Great British Franchisee Awards (GBFA), recognising her outstanding work helping some of Hampshire's most vulnerable young people overcome barriers to education.
Since launching her business in 2020, Suzanna has developed strong partnerships with schools, local authorities and alternative education providers across Hampshire, helping children who are unable to attend mainstream lessons due to anxiety, physical illness, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or other social and emotional challenges.
Through personalised one-to-one and small group tuition, Suzanna and her team help young people rediscover their enthusiasm for learning, build confidence and take positive steps towards their futures.
As a mother of two dyslexic children, Suzanna understands just how important it is to recognise every pupil's unique needs. “As a parent, I know first-hand that every child learns differently, and that success doesn't always look the same for everyone. Some children thrive in a traditional classroom, while others need a different approach, a little more time or simply someone who understands what they're going through.
"That's why the work we do with schools and local authorities across Hampshire means so much to me,” said Suzie. "Sometimes the biggest achievement isn't an exam result or a grade. It's a child who has been disengaged from education beginning to believe in themselves again."
Working closely with teachers, parents and local professionals, Suzanna's team has become a trusted source of guidance for families navigating difficult circumstances. Alongside academic progress, their approach focuses on helping children feel understood, supported and ready to embrace new opportunities.
"We see how much pressure schools and families are under, particularly when a young person is struggling to attend lessons or engage with learning," added Suzanna. "Being able to step in, offer that personalised support and work together towards a positive outcome is incredibly rewarding."
The GBFA judging panel praised Suzanna's impressive business growth, positive feedback from families and schools and commitment to improving educational outcomes. Judges also highlighted her leadership in safeguarding and her willingness to mentor fellow education business owners, recognising the wider impact of her work beyond Hampshire.
"Winning this award is an incredible honour,” added Suzanna. “It’s a reflection of the people around me, from our brilliant tutors and office team to all the local schools, councils and families who put their trust in us. I am very privileged to be a part of it all.
"I'm so proud of what we've built here in Hampshire, but there's still so much more we want to do. When you see a young person, who has lost all confidence start smiling about learning again, or a family finally feeling hopeful about their child's future, that's what makes everything we do worthwhile.”