Local Tutor Celebrates Double Win at Kent Women in Business Awards
24
Mar
Sophie Spillett is thrilled to announce a double triumph at the prestigious Kent Women in Business Awards, held on Friday, 8 March 2025 at The Ashford International Hotel. Sophie was awarded the coveted Home Based Business of the Year Award and was also recognized as the runner-up in the Women in Education Award for her work with students with special educational needs, disabilities and mental health.
Sophie, the driving force behind So-Phi Tuition, expressed immense gratitude and excitement upon receiving the awards. "When my health dictated I could no longer teach in the classroom, I had to look at alternatives like working from home. I am proud to have been able to shape my career into a business where I can continue to do what I love in a way that works for me. I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the Home Based Business of the Year Award."
Sophie has been making significant strides in the field of education, providing tailored tuition services to young people with special educational needs, disabilities and mental health. Operating from a home-based setting, Sophie has successfully managed to adapt her teaching career to fit her health needs and to care for her husband, Paul.
In addition to the Home Based Business of the Year win, Sophie was also recognised as the runner-up in the highly competitive Women in Education Award. She says, "being recognised as a runner-up in the Women in Education category is incredibly meaningful. Education is a passion of mine, and I'm honoured to be acknowledged alongside such inspiring women."
"Through my business, So-Phi Tuition, I provide tailored maths tuition to young people who find it difficult to make progress in school. Students with special educational needs, disabilities and mental health are my forte. I acknowledge the difficulties that these students face in getting good quality education and I want to remove these barriers for them. I'm passionate and dedicated to what I do, and I hope to have more success in the future."
The Kent Women in Business Awards celebrate the achievements of women across the county, recognizing their innovation, leadership, and contribution to the local economy. The theme of the awards this year was Impostor Syndrome, something that many women in business and also that many teachers have to battle on a daily basis.
Impostor Syndrome is a psychological experience that causes people to doubt their skills, accomplishments and intellect. People with impostor syndrome may feel undeserving of their achievements and the high regard that they receive.
Sophie says, "Impostor Syndrome is definitely something I've had to face in my career. However, being recognised at such a prestigious event will fuel my passion to continue growing So-Phi Tuition and serving the Swale community, to support as many people as possible. With the increase in family sized housing in this area, the demand for tutors is at at an all-time high and continues to grow. Young people are still suffering from the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and parents are increasingly relying on private tuition to support their children through school."
About So-Phi Tuition:
Established in 2019, So-Phi Tuition is a bespoke tuition service for young people looking to improve their mathematical skills. This could be to gain confidence in the subject, leading to a GCSE pass or to pursue their passion for mathematics to A Level. Sophie qualified as a teacher of mathematics in 2013 and has worked with a diverse range of students across the county, from those who find mathematics a challenge to students at grammar schools and fee-paying students at CATS International School.
Throughout her career, Sophie has always had a passion for supporting students with SEN or who struggle to fit in with their peers to achieve their full potential. Her mantra is "if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything", recognising the impact that a positive mindset can have on success.