Outcomes First Group

The founders of Hillcrest, one of the longest established independent providers of care and education for looked-after children in the UK, had decided to retire. They wanted a buyer that understood their high-quality specialist offering and would build upon what they had achieved.

Sovereign was able to both address the succession planning and demonstrate a commitment to investing futher in the Hillcrest service offering. In 2013, Hillcrest became part of Sovereign's newly created Outcomes First Group.

At the outset of the partnership, the Group operated 4 specialist day schools and 13 specialist children’s care homes in England. In 2016 Sovereign backed the merger of Outcomes First Group with Options Group, expanding the services offered to a national level. At exit, Outcomes First Group:

• was one of the UK's leading providers of specialist care and education to children and adults and the UK's highest-quality large provider by Ofsted
• was a highly respected specialist provider of education and care services to young people and adults with autism, complex needs, learning disabilities, and social, emotional and mental health needs
• operated 45 care homes for children and adults, 12 specialist schools for children, together with a college for young adults
• looked after over 800 young people and adults across services ranging from special schools to residential care and specialist fostering

Outcomes First Group was acquired by NFA, which was a natural fit for the Group.