A Conversation with Mr. Amol Arora– Managing Director, SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD Group of Schools
Amol Arora, the Managing Director of SHEMROCK and SHEMFORD Group of Schools, is one of the pioneers of modern preschool education and school franchising in India. His journey has not just been about establishing a successful business, but also about revolutionizing the way education is perceived and delivered in India. Through his efforts, he has played a pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape, particularly in the field of preschool and K-12 education. In this blog, we explore Amol Arora’s journey, the growth of the school franchising model in India, and how his leadership has helped SHEMROCK become a household name.
If you’re passionate about early childhood education and want to contribute positively to your community, opening a play-school can be the perfect way to do so. Even without a background in education, you can still set up a successful preschool by following a structured approach, understanding the market, and utilizing the right resources. This step-by-step guide will take you through everything you need to know to open your own play-school and run it successfully.
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Amol Arora’s Journey & Early Education Revolution
Amol Arora’s story began at a young age when his parents, Dr. (Mrs.) Bimla Arora and Dr. D.R. Arora—both educationists—decided to settle in Delhi. Amol’s parents had been pursuing their PhDs abroad when they decided to move back to India. By the time Amol was a teenager, he had already attended 12 different schools with varying teaching methods, curriculums, and educational styles. This diverse experience left a lasting impact on Amol, shaping his understanding of what education should be like and how important it is to adapt to children’s needs.
It was during this period that his mother, Bimla Arora, discovered the lack of quality playschools in India. When she went looking for a preschool for Amol’s younger sister, she was shocked to see that most schools in India were simply dull extensions of formal schooling. The classrooms were typically structured with rows of benches, and the teaching methods were rigid.
Determined to change this, Bimla Arora decided to open her own preschool, a space where children would love to learn. She envisioned a preschool that had colourful walls, exciting teaching methods, and a variety of activity corners rather than traditional classrooms. People were skeptical, suggesting that the idea would fail because it was so different from the norm, but Dr. Bimla Arora was resolute in her belief. As it turned out, the idea was a hit, with both children and parents embracing this innovative approach to early childhood education.
The demand grew rapidly, and soon they opened a second school. However, managing multiple schools became increasingly challenging. They wanted to open a third school but Dr.(Mrs.) Arora felt that if she could not ensure her presence in all the schools, the quality of education could start to decline. Recognizing the limitations of running multiple schools directly, they decided to stop expanding at the second school.
The Birth & Growth of School Franchising in India
The concept of school franchising in India was born out of necessity and innovation. One day, a gentleman approached Amol’s father, Dr. D.R. Arora, expressing his desire to open a SHEMROCK school. At the time, the demand for the SHEMROCK model was growing, and they had to turn away many parents due to lack of space. This gentleman had land available and was willing to follow the SHEMROCK’s curriculum and teaching methods in exchange for using the SHEMROCK brand to attract students.
Initially, there were concerns about how the business relationship could work. The CA (Chartered Accountant) advised against a profit-sharing model, citing the risk of profits being manipulated to evade taxes, which would strain the relationship. However, Amol’s father, Dr. D.R. Arora, a researcher by profession, came up with a solution. He proposed a revenue-sharing model instead of profit-sharing, based on the number of students and the fees paid. The model was simple—80% of the revenue would go to the franchisee, while the franchisor (SHEMROCK) would retain 20%.
This model became a benchmark in the school franchising industry, ensuring that the quality of education remained intact while still providing financial incentives for the franchisee to succeed. Through this innovation, Amol’s father pioneered the concept of school franchising in India, paving the way for the widespread adoption of this business model in education.
As competition intensified, SHEMROCK’s strategy to remain relevant evolved, and one key move was leveraging advertising to increase visibility. At a time when The Times of India launched its supplement Delhi Times, advertising rates for regular ads were prohibitively high, but classified ads were much cheaper. Amol Arora saw an opportunity and purchased all the available classified ad space, making the most of this cost-effective advertising strategy. This savvy move helped SHEMROCK gain exposure and attracted numerous calls from parents eager to enroll their children.
Before this, SHEMROCK had primarily relied on word-of-mouth marketing and door-to-door pamphlet distribution. However, with increased visibility through media, the brand began building a strong reputation in the education sector, establishing itself as a trusted name. Today, SHEMROCK continues to thrive in a competitive market by focusing on two key customer groups: the franchises and the parents. Amol’s team continually gathers feedback from both groups to ensure their needs and expectations are met, allowing SHEMROCK to maintain its reputation and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the education industry.
Passion vs. Profit in the Education Business
One of the key insights from Amol Arora’s journey is the importance of passion over profit when it comes to opening a school. Amol emphasizes that education is not a business where profit should be the primary motivator. Instead, anyone looking to open a school should ask themselves, “Why?” What drives them to invest in education? If the driving factor is solely Return on Investment (ROI), then Amol believes they should reconsider entering the education sector.
In his view, education should be a calling—a mission to make a difference in the community and in the lives of children. Those who are truly passionate about improving the quality of education and providing a better future for students will find fulfillment in the process, even if financial gains are secondary. Schools should be about nurturing young minds, not just maximizing profits. Opening a school offers significant social profit, which is often more rewarding than financial gains alone. The concept of social profit is about the positive impact a school has on the community, children, families, and society at large.
This philosophy resonates deeply with the Shemrock franchise model. Shemrock is not just a business venture; it’s an investment for life. One striking example of this mindset is when the daughter of one Shemrock franchise owner was married to the son of another franchise owner. Instead of gifting a car or any material possession, the father chose to gift a Shemrock branch, believing that this investment would provide continuous returns throughout life. The value of such a gift isn’t just in financial terms but in the lasting impact it has on the future generation, both for the franchise owners and the children whose lives they influence. This story perfectly illustrates how Shemrock goes beyond just profit—it is a legacy, a lifelong commitment to the community and the quality of education.
Shemrock and Shemford franchise offers complete guidance on creating a safe, secure environment for children.
Scaling SHEMROCK & Staying Relevant in a Competitive Market
As SHEMROCK grew, it wasn’t just the competition that increased; the expectations of parents also began to evolve. Parents, who had trusted SHEMROCK with their children’s early education, began insisting on continuity in their educational journey. They wanted their children to stay within the same trusted educational framework all the way through to high school. In response to this demand, SHEMROCK expanded its vision beyond preschools, leading to the launch of SHEMFORD in 2009. This venture marked SHEMROCK’s entry into the senior school sector, providing a seamless transition for students from preschool to higher education.
However, not all SHEMROCK preschools had the resources, capital, or land to expand into senior schools. Understanding this challenge, SHEMROCK also ventured into opening primary schools to bridge that gap. This dual approach allowed SHEMROCK to cater to a broader market, ensuring that both parents and franchisees were satisfied. The franchisees were able to offer more comprehensive educational solutions, while parents could rely on the SHEMROCK brand for a continuous, high-quality education experience. In this way, SHEMROCK has always remained committed to meeting the evolving needs of its franchisees and parents, ensuring that its educational offerings remain relevant and accessible.
Mr. Amol Arora, a visionary and a dreamer, constantly generates new ideas and engages in national and international conferences. However, it is Mrs. Meenal Arora, his wife and Director of SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD group who ensures those ideas come to life. As the driving force behind daily operations, Mrs. Arora has been instrumental in shaping SHEMROCK into the successful brand it is today. Her hands-on leadership, deep understanding of education, and commitment to excellence ensure that the schools run smoothly, delivering the highest quality of education to children. Together, Amol and Meenal Arora form a powerful team, blending innovation with execution to redefine education.
Challenges, Misconceptions & The Future of Schools
One of the biggest challenges that school owners face today is the declining trust of parents due to a few institutions that prioritize profits over education. Some schools engage in unfair practices—overcharging fees, forcing parents to purchase everything from them, and failing to provide quality education that justifies the cost. As a result, the entire schooling sector has come under scrutiny, with many parents perceiving schools as purely profit-driven businesses rather than institutions of learning.
This misconception is harmful not only to genuine educators but also to the students who deserve a nurturing and enriching learning environment. While schools do require financial sustainability, their core purpose should always be education and child development.
The future of education lies in ethically-driven, quality-focused institutions. To restore faith in the system, more passionate and responsible educators must step forward to open schools—not just as businesses, but as places where young minds are shaped for a better future.
A school should be more than just a building with classrooms; it should be a second home for children, fostering their intellectual, emotional, and social growth. The focus must shift from mere profit-making to providing real value to students and parents alike. With the right intent, transparency, and commitment to excellence, we can change the narrative and build a trustworthy and future-ready education system.
The key to success? Passion for education, ethical leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference. That is what will define the schools of tomorrow.
The Business Side of Running a School Franchise
Starting a school, whether you have prior experience or not, is no easy task. There are countless aspects to manage—from curriculum design and teacher training to marketing, admissions, and operations. However, with a ready-made, proven system, it becomes significantly easier to gain parents’ trust, secure admissions, and establish goodwill.
With over 35 years of experience, a school franchise provides a well-defined roadmap, saving you from trial-and-error mistakes. Beyond just branding, you get ongoing support, expert guidance, and access to a trusted curriculum. A principal may argue that schools can function independently, but the reality is that an award-winning curriculum and structured approach take years to perfect.
Additionally, a strong franchise stands by its partners in times of crisis. For instance, during COVID-19, while independent schools struggled, Shemrock ensured continuity through well-structured online classes, keeping schools operational across India and beyond.
Together, we combine your local market expertise with our established system to build a successful, future-ready educational institution.
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The Future of Schools & AI
The key to being a successful school entrepreneur is embracing continuous learning. As educators, we are not merely custodians of knowledge—we must learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. With AI and EdTech transforming education, schools must carefully assess which technologies truly enhance learning rather than adopting them blindly.
As school franchisees, we evolve based on local market needs while maintaining our educational philosophy. For instance, while we do not recommend report cards for 2-year-olds—as they forget what they’ve learned over time, making grading ineffective—if a particular region demands it, we accommodate while educating parents on its long-term impact.
Beyond technology, the right mindset is crucial in education. Teachers and school heads must have an open mind, willing to embrace new teaching methods rather than adopting a rigid “I know it all” attitude. A progressive, tech-friendly approach ensures that educators stay relevant, adaptable, and effective in shaping young minds.
Our inbuilt school app bridges the gap between parents and schools by offering real-time updates, report card generation, homework assignments, and seamless communication. With technology at our core, we ensure that learning remains adaptive, relevant, and future-ready.
Advice for Aspiring School Owners & Scaling Schools
Amol Arora’s key advice for those looking to open or scale a school is to have their heart in the right place. A school should be started for the right reasons—not just as a business, but as a passion-driven endeavor to shape young minds.
Over the years, he has seen many individuals—especially women—open schools initially as a way to stay engaged, only to later realize the immense respect and impact that comes with being an educator. The journey of a school owner is deeply rewarding.
At SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD, we ensure that our franchise partners never feel alone. From curriculum support to operational guidance, we provide a proven system that helps schools thrive and make a lasting difference in their communities.
Education’s Role in India’s Growth & Nation Building
Mr. Amol Arora is a passionate thought leader in education, actively participating in conferences and summits. His goal is to uplift the education sector by sharing insights with school owners, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs, and see at the ground level the advancements being made in the education sector.
With over 500 videos on his YouTube channel, he has been consistently sharing knowledge and insights to help struggling schools improve admissions, operations, and overall education quality. His commitment to nation-building through education is driven by the belief that empowering schools leads to empowered children, shaping a better future for India. His honest mission is to make a difference, ensuring that education is not just a business but a means to transform lives.
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
Amol Arora’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, passion, and perseverance. He and his family revolutionized preschool education in India and pioneered the concept of school franchising. Through SHEMROCK and SHEMFORD, they have made a lasting impact on the education sector.
For anyone interested in the education business, Amol’s insights provide invaluable lessons in building a successful school franchise, balancing passion with profit, and staying relevant in a competitive market. The future of education, according to Amol, lies in embracing technology, fostering innovation, and always keeping the needs of students and teachers at the forefront of decision-making.
In the end, education is more than just a business—it is the foundation of a better, more prosperous society