Schools & Special Education

The global private K-12 education sector is experiencing significant growth. Increasing demand for high-quality education has resulted in a shift towards private provision, fueled by rising affluence and a growing middle class.

In the UK, the anticipated imposition of VAT on school fees is already affecting enrolment in key entry years, as parents brace for increased affordability pressures. Nevertheless, the sector remains robust, and high-quality schools continue to thrive amid the evolving regulatory landscape. Meanwhile, a dramatic uptick in the number of pupils with special educational needs is creating opportunities for private providers to offer SEND or inclusive education.

Globally, investors in the private K-12 sector must consider a range of factors to assess market attractiveness. Key considerations include population demographics, levels of affluence, demand for private education, regulatory environments, and the competitive landscape. We support our clients to navigate these complexities and make informed investment decisions.

How we help

In the UK, our work in schools and SEND includes:

Conducting strategic reviews for schools and groups to evaluate and prioritise a variety of optimisation, reconfiguration, and diversification strategies.
Undertaking commercial due diligence (buy-side and sell-side) for numerous UK schools and groups.
Assessment of the local landscape and market opportunity in different regions of the UK.
Performing UK market screenings to identify flagship investment opportunities for international school groups.

Internationally, we have supported clients by:

Assessing the attractiveness of different international markets, evaluating demand, supply, demographic trends, regulatory drivers, and the competitive landscape to support our clients’ market entry strategy.
Providing commercial due diligence for clients considering the acquisition of K-12 schools or groups in a variety of markets across Europe, LATAM, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Conducting an assessment of the special education landscape and opportunity in specific international markets.

Our Capabilities

We provide our clients with structured insights and expert judgement to drive impactful strategic decisions. Our deep industry knowledge and tailored approach ensure that we deliver high-impact results, helping our clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities for growth and excellence.

OUR SERVICES