School Groups

Cognita is a leading global private schools group that owns and operates over 100 schools across 21 countries in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Asia. The group provides holistic education to more than 95,000 students, focusing on academic excellence, character development, and global perspective.

Dukes Education is a family of nurseries, independent schools, and colleges located in the UK and Europe. In addition to its academic institutions, the group offers complementary educational services "beyond the classroom," including university application consultancies, summer schools, day camps, and tuition services.

The Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) is a leading network of independent girls' schools in the UK. Established in 1872, it currently operates a "family" of 23 independent schools and 2 academies across England and Wales. The organization is a pioneer in girls' education, dedicated to helping girls learn without limits through a focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and specialized teaching that puts girls first.

Inspired Education Group is a leading global network of premium private schools operating across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The group educates over 95,000 students in more than 118 schools across 24 countries. Their educational philosophy focuses on three pillars: academic excellence, sports, and the performing & creative arts, offering qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and A-Levels.

United Learning is a large educational group in the United Kingdom that uniquely operates both state-funded academies and fee-paying independent schools. The group manages over 100 schools across primary, secondary, and all-through phases, sharing a common mission to bring out "the best in everyone" through a framework of "Education with Character."

Woodard Schools is a significant group of independent and state-maintained schools in the United Kingdom. Founded by Nathaniel Woodard in 1848, the group comprises a collection of schools that share a Christian ethos and a commitment to providing high-quality education. The network includes independent schools, affiliated schools, and academies (managed through the separate Woodard Academies Trust).

The Mill Hill Education Group is a charitable foundation comprising a family of leading independent day and boarding schools, primarily based in London and the Home Counties, with an international presence in Thailand. Originally established in 1807 by Nonconformists, the group aims to "instill values and inspire minds," emphasising a holistic education that balances academic rigour with character development. Governance is overseen by a Court of Governors and a Chief Executive Officer, who manage the strategic direction and financial stability of member schools including Mill Hill School, Belmont, and Cobham Hall.

The Reigate Grammar School Group (often referred to as the RGS Family of Schools) is a rapidly expanding network of independent schools centered in Surrey, with a growing international presence. Anchored by the historic Reigate Grammar School (founded in 1675), the group has grown significantly in recent years through the acquisition and partnership of several local preparatory and senior schools to create a comprehensive educational pathway.

Alpha Schools is a group of independent schools and nurseries located across the United Kingdom. Run by industry experts, the group owns and operates 18 schools, offering education from nursery level through to Sixth Form (ages 6 months to 18 years). Their portfolio includes both day and boarding schools, all of which emphasise a family-oriented ethos, small class sizes, and personalised learning.

Bellevue Education is a leading international group of independent schools founded in 2003. It owns and operates a network of 19 schools (including nurseries, preparatory, and senior schools) across the United Kingdom, as well as in France and Switzerland. The group focuses on providing high-quality, personalised education that blends innovation with tradition.

The Brighton College Family of Schools is a network of educational institutions anchored by Brighton College, a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school in Brighton, UK.

The Inspired Learning Group (ILG) is a growing family of independent schools and nurseries in the UK. Founded in 2014, the group operates roughly 30 schools and nurseries, ranging from small local prep schools to large historic boarding schools. The group's philosophy focuses on providing "educational excellence within a culture of care," allowing each school to retain its unique identity while benefiting from central investment and shared expertise.

The City of London Corporation acts as a unique local authority and education provider, managing a "Family of Schools" that includes both premium independent schools and a network of state-funded academies.

The Arundel and Brighton Diocesan Trust is the charitable organisation responsible for the administration and financial management of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. Established to support the Bishop in the mission of the Church, the Trust oversees the diocese's assets, including 74 parishes and 73 schools across Sussex and Surrey. It facilitates pastoral care, education, and various charitable activities within the community.

The Mercers' Company is the premier Livery Company of the City of London (ranking first in the order of precedence). Its educational legacy dates back to 1509, when Dean John Colet (a Mercer) founded St Paul's School and entrusted its management to the Company. Today, the Company manages a massive philanthropic endowment and maintains a close network of 17 "Associated Schools and Colleges" (often referred to as the Mercers' Cluster). This network is unique for its blend of prestigious independent schools, state academies, and sixth-form colleges.

Sevenoaks Family of Schools consists of Sevenoaks School, Sevenoaks Prep and Solefield School.

The Gardener Schools Group (GSG) is a family-owned network of independent co-educational schools in London. Founded in 1991 by teachers Maria and Edward Gardener, the group is known for its "greenhouse, not hothouse" philosophy, which emphasizes a holistic, supportive, and non-selective approach to education. The group currently operates 4 schools and a nursery.

The Francis Holland Schools Trust is an educational charity that owns and operates three prestigious independent day schools for girls in central London. Founded in the late 19th century by Canon Francis Holland with a Church of England ethos, the Trust manages Francis Holland School (Regent's Park), Francis Holland School (Sloane Square), and the newly established Francis Holland Preparatory School (located in Chelsea). The Trust provides a shared governance and financial framework while allowing each school to maintain its distinct character and academic autonomy.

The Charterhouse family is centered around Charterhouse, one of the UK's historic "Great Nine" public schools, founded in 1611 (originally in London, now in Godalming, Surrey). In recent years, the school has moved from a standalone senior boarding model to a "family of schools" structure. This strategic shift includes the acquisition of preparatory schools to create an all-through educational pathway and the launch of international campuses.

Globeducate is one of the world's leading K-12 education groups, operating a network of over 65 premium bilingual and international schools in 11 countries (including the UK, Spain, France, Italy, and Canada). Formerly known as NACE Schools, the group educates more than 40,000 students and is known for its partnerships with the WWF and Eco-Schools to promote sustainability and global citizenship. In the UK, its schools include ICS London, Stonar School, and L'Ecole des Petits.

St Dunstan's Education Group is a family of independent schools located in South East London. The group was formed to bring together like-minded institutions under a collaborative framework, anchored by the historic St Dunstan's College in Catford. In addition to the College (which includes the Junior and Senior Schools), the group includes Rosemead Preparatory School in Dulwich (which merged with the group in 2023) and St Christopher's The Hall School in Beckenham. The group aims to share resources and best practices while preserving the individual identity of each school.

The "Westminster School family" primarily refers to the historic independent school in central London and its associated preparatory school.

The Cranleigh family is centered around Cranleigh School, a prestigious independent co-educational boarding and day school in Surrey, founded in 1865. The school has a strong "all-through" ethos on its UK campus, sharing facilities and values ("Ex Cultu Robur" – From Culture Comes Strength) between the senior and prep schools. Through its subsidiary, Cranleigh International, the school has expanded globally by partnering with local education providers to open branded campuses in the Middle East and China.

The Effingham Schools Trust is a charitable company that operates a family of independent schools in Surrey. The Trust is notable for implementing a "Diamond Model" structure, which aims to combine the benefits of single-sex education during key developmental stages with the social advantages of a co-educational environment in the Sixth Form.

Eastbourne College (Incorporated) is a charitable company that owns and operates two independent schools in Eastbourne, East Sussex: Eastbourne College (a senior day and boarding school for pupils aged 13–18) and St Andrew’s Prep (a nursery and preparatory school for children aged 9 months to 13 years). The charity focuses on providing a holistic education rooted in academic excellence, pastoral care, and co-curricular opportunity.

The Yusuf Islam Foundation (founded by the singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam, formerly Cat Stevens) is a UK charity that focuses on education, community development, and philanthropy. Its educational arm operates two high-performing independent Muslim faith schools in North West London. The foundation also has historic ties to Islamia Primary School, which was founded by Yusuf Islam in 1983 and became the first Muslim school in the UK to receive state funding (Voluntary Aided status) in 1998.

St George's Weybridge is an independent mixed Roman Catholic day school in Surrey, offering a continuous education for students aged 3 to 18. It is the leading Josephite school in the UK, founded by the Josephites (Congregation of the Josephites) in 1869. The schools are known for their strong "Family Spirit" ethos and their large campus near the River Thames. Member Schools The group consists of two schools located on the same estate in Addlestone/Weybridge: - St George's College: The senior school for boys and girls aged 11–18. - St George's Junior School: The preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3–11 (comprising "The Ark" Nursery, Lower Prep, and Upper Prep).

Oakley Capital is a mid-market private equity investor focused on the European market. The firm invests primarily in three core sectors: Technology, Consumer, and Education, often backing businesses with recurring revenue, strong growth potential, and a focus on digital business models. They partner with ambitious founders and management teams to drive growth and value creation.

The Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) is a charitable organization that serves as the trustee and governing body for a network of independent schools with a Methodist foundation. It was established in 2011 to provide oversight and support to its member schools, ensuring they maintain their Christian ethos while delivering high-quality education. The trust currently directly oversees 10 schools (including Culford, Kent College, Truro School, and Woodhouse Grove) and works closely with several other associated Methodist independent schools.

Reed's School is a historic independent school located in Cobham, Surrey. It was founded in 1813 by the philanthropist Andrew Reed as the London Orphan School to support destitute children. Today, this mission continues through The Andrew Reed Foundation, which is integral to the school's identity. The foundation provides bursaries to fund the education of "Foundationers"—children who have lost one or both parents, or who face significant family trauma.

The Independent Educational Association (IEA) is the charitable company that owns and operates the St James Schools in London and Surrey. The schools are unique for their ethos, which is based on the philosophical principles of the School of Economic Science (SES) (specifically the Advaita Vedanta tradition). This philosophical approach includes distinctive features such as the teaching of Sanskrit, the practice of "The Pause" (mindfulness/meditation) throughout the school day, and a strong emphasis on spiritual and character development alongside academic success.

The John Whitgift Foundation is one of the largest and most historic charitable foundations in the UK. Founded in 1596 by the Archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift, it is based in Croydon, South London. Its mission is two-fold: to provide education and to care for the elderly. The foundation is a major landowner in Croydon (owning the freehold of much of the town centre, including the Whitgift Centre) and uses this income to fund one of the largest school bursary schemes in the country.

The Al-Khoei Foundation is a major international Shia Muslim charitable organization with its headquarters in London. Founded in 1989 by the late Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Abulqasim Al-Khoei, the foundation focuses on the spiritual and social welfare of Muslim communities worldwide. In the UK, it is the proprietor of two independent faith schools in North West London: Al-Sadiq School (for boys) and Al-Zahra School (for girls). The foundation also operates the Al-Khoei Islamic Centre, providing religious services, interfaith dialogue, and community support.

St Bede's School Trust Sussex is the charitable body responsible for managing Bede's School, a co-educational independent day and boarding school located in Upper Dicker and Eastbourne, East Sussex. The trust oversees the education of pupils from nursery age through to the Sixth Form across its prep and senior school sites.

ACS International Schools (formerly American Community Schools) is a group of four prestigious international schools. Founded in 1967 to serve global and local families, the group educates over 3,500 students aged 2 to 18. The schools are known for offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and the US High School Diploma (including Advanced Placement courses).

The Skinners' Company is one of the "Great Twelve" Livery Companies of the City of London, originally developing from the medieval trade guild of furriers. Today, it is a major philanthropic and educational organization that maintains a network of eight schools (including The Skinners' School, Tonbridge School, and The Marsh Academy) and almshouses. The Company acts as the trustee and governor for these institutions, supporting them through its various charitable foundations.

Bridewell Royal Hospital is a historic charitable foundation with roots dating back to 1553, when it was established by King Edward VI and Nicholas Ridley (Bishop of London) to house and educate the destitute. Today, the foundation maintains close historic links with the City of London Corporation and operates a family of independent schools in Surrey. Its core mission remains charitable: a significant portion of its endowment supports "Foundationers"—children who have lost parents or face difficult home circumstances and require a boarding education.

Wishford Education is a family-run group of independent schools, nurseries, and camps located across the South of England (including Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, and Kent). Founded in 2011, the group operates a network of prep and senior schools with a focus on delivering high-quality education, supportive pastoral care, and value.

The St Albans Education Group is a recently formed charitable family of independent schools. It was established in September 2024 following the merger of St Albans High School for Girls (STAHS) and Stormont School. The group creates a formal structure to share strategic leadership, expertise, and operational resources while maintaining the individual identity of each school.

The Radley Schools Group is a major charitable education group formed in September 2025 through the merger of Radley College and the Prep Schools Trust. The group brings together one of the UK’s most prestigious senior boarding schools with a family of seven leading preparatory schools. While operating under a shared strategic umbrella to provide stability and expertise, each school retains its own distinct identity, uniform, and leadership.

Hong Kong KS Education Group Limited (Chinese: 香港古心教育集團有限公司) is a private education investment company incorporated in Hong Kong. It recently came to prominence following the announcement that it would acquire Kensington Park School, an independent day and boarding school in London, from the Shanghai-listed company Only Education (Onli Education).

International Schools Partnership (ISP) is a growing global group of private international schools. Founded in 2013, the group currently owns and operates 112 schools in over 25 countries, educating approximately 92,500 students (aged 2–18). ISP focuses on providing "Amazing Learning" opportunities, enabling students to achieve academic excellence and develop global perspectives through international exchange programs and a personalized approach to education.

The United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation is an educational charity with origins dating back to the 1570s. It currently manages and supports a group of five schools: three independent schools (Emanuel School, Sutton Valence School, and Queen Anne’s School) and two state academies (The Grey Coat Hospital and Westminster City School). The foundation's mission is to foster educational excellence, support outstanding governance, and provide a holistic, Christian-ethos education to over 4,000 students.

Shakhsiyah Schools are managed by the Islamic Shakhsiyah Foundation, a grassroots educational charity established by Muslim mothers to provide a holistic Islamic education. The foundation operates two independent day schools, Shakhsiyah School London (in Haringey) and Shakhsiyah School Slough, as well as Tifly Daycare. The schools utilize the unique "Shakhsiyah Framework," which integrates the National Curriculum with Islamic tarbiyah (nurturing) and character development.

Forfar Education is a specialist school investment and advisory group founded in 2016. It owns and manages a growing family of independent schools and nurseries across the UK and internationally. The group focuses on providing holistic education, character development, and operational support to its schools while maintaining their unique identities.

The Dwight Schools are a global network of independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. Anchored by the flagship Dwight School in New York (founded in 1872), the family has expanded internationally to include campuses in London, Seoul, Shanghai, Dubai, and Hanoi, as well as a cloud-based campus, Dwight Global Online School. The schools are privately owned and are led by Chancellor Stephen Spahn, who is the longest-serving head of an independent school in the US.

Berkhamsted Schools Group is a family of independent schools located in Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire) and Amersham (Buckinghamshire). The group dates back to the foundation of Berkhamsted School in 1541 and now operates a unique "diamond" structure: pupils are taught together in the Pre-Prep and Prep schools, separately in single-sex Senior schools (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls) between ages 11–16, and then return to co-education in the Sixth Form. The group includes six schools and a day nursery.

Chatsworth Schools is a group of independent schools and nurseries located across the United Kingdom and internationally. Founded in 2018 by Anita Gleave and Fred Knipe, the group operates with a mission to provide inclusive, non-selective education that focuses on nurturing each child's individual talents. The group is backed by Synova Capital and operates multiple settings, including preparatory schools and nurseries.

CATS Global Schools (CGS) is a leading international education group that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of independent boarding schools, an arts school, and English language centers across the UK, USA, and Canada. The group focuses on preparing students for university success and future careers through institutions such as CATS Colleges, Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA), and Bournemouth Collegiate School. It was formed in 2021 by bringing together several established education brands under one umbrella.

The Repton Family of Schools is a global network of educational institutions that stems from the historic Repton School in Derbyshire, UK. The family includes the founding UK schools (Repton School and Repton Prep) and a growing portfolio of international schools located in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Barsha), China (Xiamen), Malaysia, and Egypt (Cairo). These schools share the same ethos, academic rigor, and pastoral care values as the UK parent school.

The French Education Charitable Trust (FECT) was a specific charitable body founded in 2008 with the mission to solve the shortage of secondary school places for French education in London. It successfully raised funds and acquired sites to launch two major new schools, relieving pressure on the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle. Having successfully fulfilled its purpose of establishing these institutions, the central trust itself was wound down (dissolved in 2019), and the two schools now operate as independent charitable trusts, though they share a common heritage and are supported by the same scholarship foundation.

The New Model School Company Limited was established in 2003 (originally as a project of the think tank Civitas) with the aim of providing a "knowledge-rich" independent education at a lower cost than traditional private schools. It operates as a not-for-profit company (shareholders do not take dividends) and currently manages two co-educational preparatory schools in London.

The David Game College Group is a network of independent colleges and educational providers in the UK and internationally, anchored by its flagship institution, David Game College. Founded in 1974 by David Game, the group operates as a collection of partner schools and colleges that share common ownership or governance (typically with David Game as the Principal or Chairman).