Astrum Education

In 2012, Sovereign invested in a group of three leading independent sixth form colleges in Central London to create Astrum Education. Sovereign's origination team had followed the colleges for a number of years, recognising the quality of education that they offered. During this time, we developed a relationship with the owners, who had built the schools over several decades. When they decided it was time to sell, they chose Sovereign.

At the time of Sovereign's investment, the colleges provided private education to 15- to 18-year-old students with structured, tailored tuition focused on examinations and entry to top universities. They also ranked within the top quartile of all schools in the UK for their value added (Source: Department for Education) and had an excellent reputation for academic quality delivered at competitive fee rates.

Sovereign sought to develop and expand the Group's offering in what was a highly fragmented market.

During the period of Sovereign's investment: a new campus was opened, all three colleges were converted from day schools to registered boarding schools and three new boarding facility sites were added. Sovereign also partnered the management team to improve the educational experience for students further by investing in new laboratories, enhancing IT provision, and in the education programme itself.

Astrum became the largest boarding provider in central London and significantly grew its international student numbers.

Astrum was Sovereign's 20th investment in the education and training sector since 2002.